Compare Homebuyer Surveys in Camden

Save up to 70% off your surveying costs
Regulated Property Surveyors
Used by over 750,000 movers in the UK
Used by over 750,000 movers in the UK
Helping people save for over 10 years
Save up to 70% on the cost of moving

Moving House In Camden? Save Up To 70% On Your RICS Level 2 Survey

Looking for a surveyor in Camden? We’ve helped over 500 home buyers find a residential property surveyor in this part of London.

With an average property price of £1,146,548, you’ll want to be sure the property is secure and a worthwhile investment.

As a fairly large area within London, Camden is a densely-populated area that can greatly increase the pressure put on the ground beneath, creating issues such as subsidence. Potential problems like this highlight the importance of property surveys for homeowners in the local area. A RICS Level 2 Survey will suffice for homes in good condition, whilst a RICS Level 3 Survey would be better suited to properties containing signs of subsidence.

If you’re searching for a new home in Camden, we can match with up to 6 RICS registered surveyors who have been verified by our dedicated business team.

Our Camden Chartered Surveyors

    As seen in: BT

    FAQs About Surveying in Camden

    Our hard-working team at Compare My Move have researched everything you need to know about surveying in Camden. Our data revealed that the most popular survey type in the area is the RICS Level 2 Survey, which isn’t surprising due to the popularity of flats amongst movers. 

    Our team also discovered that Camden is a hotspot for both subsidence and Japanese Knotweed due to the densely-packed buildings adding pressure to the ground. A verified property surveyor should highlight if these issues are present when inspecting your home. 

    To help you with your house move, our team at Compare My Move have researched the most popular survey types in Camden. We’ve also completed further research to help answer all your vital surveying-related questions.

    Over 74% of our Camden users were looking for a RICS Level 2 Survey, making it the most popular property survey in the area. This survey type is best suited to properties younger than 80-years of age that are in fairly good condition. It can also be used to assess certain flats, making it a popular choice throughout London. Over 59% of users purchasing flats required a RICS Level 2 Survey, according to our data.

    Just under 26% of our users requested a RICS Level 3 Survey, the more thorough and detailed property survey. This isn’t surprising as the RICS Level 2 Survey is much more common, especially in areas like Camden where flats are more popular amongst movers. However, if you’re considering purchasing a home that is over 80-years of age, has been greatly renovated or is made of unusual materials, then a RICS Level 3 Survey would be much more beneficial as it will highlight any structural issues also.

    Our team also discovered that the property type most prone to requiring a survey in Camden are flats. For both types of surveys, flat owners were the highest percentage when requesting a property survey.

    Popular Survey Types in Camden
    Popular Survey Types in Camden

    What Types of Historical Architecture Does Camden Have?

    Camden boasts a variety of property types including Georgian and Victorian homes as well as period conversions. However, due to the area’s growing popularity, there has also been an increase in the number of flats for sale. From high-rise apartments to converted warehouses, there’s a lot to choose from in this quirky London borough. There are also a number of Share Ownership options, especially in the Camden Courtyards.

    Older properties are the most popular amongst many Camden movers. It’s important to note that there are currently over 5,600 listed buildings in Camden. These range from the 11th century St Pancras Old Church to the 1970s built Alexandra Road Estate. As listed buildings are considered as having national, historical or architectural interest, they will be protected by the local authority. This means, if you’re purchasing a listed building, you will be restricted when it comes to future repair work and alterations.

    This is also true for properties situated in a conservation area. Camden contains 40 conservation areas, covering around 50% of the entire borough. Again, if you’re purchasing a home in one of these areas, the local council will have more control over what can be done to the building.

    Architecture Overview From Listed Buildings to Sales of New Buildings
    Listed Buildings5,600+
    Conservation Areas40
    New Build Sales*2
    Existing Property Sales*151

    *Based on data for 2023

    Is Subsidence an Issue in Camden?

    According to the London Subsidence Map by GeoBear, Camden properties have a high risk of developing subsidence due to their proximity to London’s centre. Many densely populated areas like London have a potential for subsidence due to the increased amount of pressure on the ground. Camden is an example of this.

    The more weight and pressure added to the ground beneath properties, the higher the chance of the soil drying out and compacting. This can then lead to subsidence where the foundations of the building begin to sink and misalign. No matter where you move in London, it’s worth organising a property survey to uncover any obvious signs of subsidence.

    Another factor that could cause this issue is the presence of clay soil. On the Map of the Distribution of Clay Over the UK, Camden is labelled as a ‘Hazard Level E’ location for clay soil. This means that the soil can be fairly hazardous due to the risk of it shrinking or swelling under extreme pressure or change in temperature.

    If you’re viewing property in Camden, it would be wise to research the local land it was built on and look out for any signs of subsidence, such as large cracks around the windows and door frames. If you make an offer, it’s advised you organise a property survey to thoroughly assess the building. A RICS Level 2 Survey will likely suffice, but if you’re purchasing an older home, a RICS Level 3 Survey will be much more beneficial.

    London subsidence map taken from Geobear's website
    London subsidence map taken from Geobear's website

    Is Japanese Knotweed a Concern in Camden?

    Japanese Knotweed is a highly destructive plant that grows up to 10cm a day, forcing its way through walls, drains and even concrete. It can also force its way through a property’s foundations, causing significant damage such as cracks in the brickwork and sinking foundations.

    According to Environet’s Japanese Knotweed Heatmap, all areas within the London area have a high risk of Japanese Knotweed occurrences. This includes Camden. In fact, Camden is situated directly in a hotspot for the dangerous plant, meaning many of the properties will be at risk. There are 147 recorded infestations in one Camden postcode alone, meaning there will be many other infected areas.

    Highly populated areas often come with increased risks which is why it’s not too surprising that Camden has issues with Japanese Knotweed. If you suspect the home you’re purchasing has a Japanese Knotweed infestation, do not try to remove it yourself as this can cause further damage.

    If you continue with the property purchase and become the new homeowner, you will be responsible for maintaining the issues. This is why it’s essential you have a property survey conducted to uncover any evidence of the plant. You can then take the appropriate next steps and hire a professional to remove the dangerous plant.

    Camden Japanese Knotweed heatmap taken from Environet website
    Camden Japanese Knotweed heatmap taken from Environet website