FAQs About Surveying in Bromley
Our Compare My Move team have worked hard to create this guide, explaining all you need to know about surveying in Bromley. Our data found that around 60% of our users organised a homebuyer survey, whilst only 39% chose to organise a more thorough building survey.
Our research also discovered that Bromley is a hotspot for subsidence, increasing the need for a property survey. Japanese Knotweed is also a concern for homeowners within the area. By hiring a reliable property surveyor, you should be warned of these issues in advance.
What are the Most Popular Surveys in Bromley?
Our data found that approximately 60% of our Compare My Move users used our service to hire a property surveyor to conduct a homebuyers survey. This is the most commonly used property survey and will give buyers an overview of the condition of the house. However, the report will not be as thorough as the building survey as this will also assess the property’s structure.
Despite the high risk of subsidence in the area, only around 39% of users opted to have a building survey conducted. Properties over 80 years old, those made of unconventional materials, have obvious signs of subsidence or that have previously had extensive work done, should all have a building survey conducted rather than a homebuyers survey.
The risk of not having the correct survey on your potential home is that potential issues and expensive repairs could be required further down the line. Many of these may have easily been avoided if a building survey had taken place prior to purchase to assess the overall condition of the property. Terrace houses saw the highest number of both the homebuyers survey (19.14%) and building survey (18.52%) being conducted, according to our Bromley data.
Unsurprisingly, flats had the least amount of building surveys conducted in Bromley, with only 4.32%. Detached homes saw 11.73% of users requiring a homebuyers survey whilst 17.28% of semi-detached owners had the same survey type. Terrace houses had the highest percentage of users requiring a building survey with detached homeowners coming in second with 8.64%.
What Types of Historical Architecture Does Bromley Have?
As Bromley saw rapid growth in the mid-19th century, the majority of housing is made up of Victorian and Edwardian homes as well as more modern houses and flats. Bickley also has a number of Tudor properties whilst Ringers Road has a selection of shared ownership opportunities.
From spacious detached Edwardian houses to modern flats and apartments, there are plenty of property types to view in this South London suburb. It’s important to note that if you’re considering purchasing converted or older properties, you will require a building survey to thoroughly assess the building’s structure. For newer houses or flats, a homebuyers survey will suffice.
In the London Borough of Bromley, there are currently 413 listed buildings, many of which are classed as Grade I or Grade II*. If you’re purchasing a listed building, you will require a specialist surveyor to conduct a Listed Building Survey. There are also 45 conservation areas in Bromley, all of which you can find on the local council’s Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings Map.
The sale of ‘existing properties’ far exceeded those of new builds in Bromley, according to Land Registry data. In January 2020, only 24 new build properties were sold whilst 331 existing properties were sold in the same period of time. For users buying older properties, it’s recommended that you organise a building survey to provide a more in-depth examination.
| Listed Buildings | 413 |
| Conservation Areas | 45 |
| New Build Sales* | 24 |
| Existing Property Sales* | 331 |
*Based on data for January 2020
Is Subsidence an Issue in Bromley?
When the ground beneath a property collapses or shrinks, subsidence can occur causing the building to sink. It can be a very serious problem for homeowners which is why it’s so important to hire a reliable surveyor to conduct a property survey. Both the building survey and homebuyers survey will detect signs of subsidence. However, if there are already obvious signs, such as large cracks around windows and door frames, then a building survey will be more suitable as it’ll assess the property’s foundations in depth.
As you can see on Geobear’s UK Subsidence Map, Bromley is a high-risk area for subsidence, especially streets nearest to London. Larger cities like London often experience increased weight and pressure on the ground due to there being so many buildings tightly packed into condensed areas. This then weakens and dries out the soil causing ground instability and issues such as subsidence. Your property survey should highlight if your home is at risk.
Another cause of subsidence is the shrinking of clay soil. Hot weather and constant renovations can make certain clay soils shrink and crack, causing the ground to become unstable. According to Geobear, 75% of UK ground subsidence cases are caused by soil shrinkage. Bromley has been labelled as a Hazard Level D (close to Hazard Level E), meaning the clay soil is prone to shrinking and swelling, increasing the risk of subsidence.
When you’ve found the perfect Bromley home for you, don’t forget to compare surveying quotes to find a RICS registered surveyor to examine your property. The survey will highlight any signs of subsidence or ground instability, allowing you to be more informed before completing the transaction.
Is Japanese Knotweed a Concern in Bromley?
Japanese Knotweed is often a dreaded term for many homeowners. It’s a dangerous plant that can grow as much as 10-20cm a day, forcing its way through walls, concrete and drains. It can cause a lot of damage to your property and, if untreated, can decrease the value of your home when you eventually sell. It’s advised that you hire a professional to remove the invasive plant as treating it yourself can cause further damage.
As you can see on the Environet’s Japanese Knotweed heatmap, Bromley town is labelled as a ‘hotspot’ for the plant, with locations closest to London having the biggest infestations. There are 49 known occurrences within 4km of the BR1 1AJ postcode alone and over 156 occurrences the closer you get to Croydon. This is unsurprising as London itself is labelled as having a major infestation.
When buying a new home in Bromley, you’ll need a property survey to inspect both the interior and exterior of the property. If the property you’re viewing is older than 80-years then a building survey will be best suited as it provides a more thorough inspection. A homebuyers survey will suffice for younger properties and should also detect signs of Japanese Knotweed.
If the results of the survey indicate signs of the plant on the property, you should discuss the next steps with your surveyor and contact your local authority for advice. Do not attempt to remove the plant yourself as it will likely cause further damage to the house.
