Compare Homebuyer Surveys in Chelsea

Save up to 70% off your surveying costs
Regulated Property Surveyors
Used by over 1 million movers in the UK
Used by over 1 million movers in the UK
Save up to 70% on the cost of moving

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

Looking for a surveyor in the London area of Chelsea? We’ve helped over 1,000 home buyers find a reliable property surveyor in the area over the last year.

With an average property price of £2,330,163, Chelsea is home to a range of properties, many of which are period homes. It’s important to note that properties older than 80-years of age, in poor condition or were built using unusual materials will be best suited to a RICS Level 3 Survey. Modern buildings or homes in fairly good condition, however, will require a RICS Level 2 Survey.

We can connect you with up to 6 RICS registered property surveyors and our team works hard to ensure every surveyor that joins us is verified. This provides peace of mind that you will only receive quality services from the most reliable surveyors when moving in or around Chelsea.

Our Chelsea Chartered Surveyors

    As seen in: BT

    FAQs About Surveying in Chelsea

    Compare My Move has completed all the hard work for you, answering all your vital questions concerning surveying in Chelsea. Our unique data revealed that the most popular property survey in this area is the RICS Level 2 Survey, 54.15% of users requiring this survey type buying flats.

    Our research also discovered that, like many areas in Central London, Chelsea has a high risk of both Japanese Knotweed and subsidence. This highlights the importance of organising a property survey when purchasing a new home. 

    Compare My Move’s unique data discovered that a majority of 65% of our Chelsea users required a RICS Level 2 Survey when purchasing a new home. This makes it the most popular survey type in the area, which is not surprising due to the number of flats located across the district. If you’re also buying a flat or apartment here, then know that a RICS Level 2 Survey will suffice.

    Of those requesting a RICS Level 2 Survey, 54.15% were buying flats and 9.61% were purchasing terrace houses. Movers looking for semi-detached or terrace homes were more likely to require a RICS Level 3 Survey, however, due to the age of the properties. Detached properties were the least popular property type in Chelsea, with only 0.87% of users needing a RICS Level 2 Survey and 0% organising a RICS Level 3 Survey.

    When viewing the report that contains the results of the survey, you’re putting yourself in a much better position when negotiating the asking price of a building. The results will either provide you with an estimated value on the repair work required, or it may even convince you to walk away from the sale, saving you money in the long run.

    Popular Survey Types in Chelsea
    Popular Survey Types in Chelsea

    What Types of Historical Architecture Does Chelsea Have?

    Chelsea has a range of property types to suit all tastes and requirements. There are many period properties to choose from, including Victorian terrace cottages, Georgian houses and even Arts and Crafts houses built during the interwar period. There are also period flats as well as modern purpose-built flats should you be searching for something smaller.

    The World's End estate is a council estate in the area and was built in the 1960s. It mostly contains low-rise blocks and towers, however. Helix Court contains a number of shared ownership homes whilst Chelsea Bridge Road offers a number of new developments with approximately 123 affordable homes currently being built.

    If you, like many other movers, are considering buying an older, period home, then you may require a RICS Level 3 Survey depending on the property’s age. Those looking for flats or modern properties will require a RICS Level 2 Survey.

    We also discovered that The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea contains 38 conservation areas, covering around 70% of the entire borough. These areas will be preserved by the local council, meaning there will be legal requirements and restrictions that homeowners must adhere to. If you buy any type of property in one of these areas, you will have to adhere to these rules and seek permission for certain work to be done. This is also true for all listed buildings in the borough, which consists of some 3,800 buildings.

    Architecture Overview From Listed Buildings to Sales of New Buildings
    Listed Buildings3,800
    Conservation Areas38
    New Build Sales*0
    Existing Property Sales*127

    *Based on data for 2023

    Is Subsidence an Issue in Chelsea?

    Subsidence is a serious issue and a dreaded word for many homeowners. It typically occurs when the ground beneath a property shrinks or collapses, dragging part of the foundations along with it. This can greatly affect the value of the home and its structural safety. As with many areas in Central London, Chelsea has a moderate to high risk of subsidence, according to Geobear’s UK Subsidence Map.

    There are a number of factors that can increase the risk of subsidence. These include a history of mining or landfills and the presence of clay soil. The reason why many locations in Central London are affected, however, is often the added weight and pressure put on the ground due to the many densely-packed buildings. Heavily-populated areas result in a lot more pressure on the ground beneath properties, causing it to compact.

    Do not underestimate the importance of a property survey during your purchase. The report will highlight any defects or problems with the property, allowing you to make an informed decision and enter the negotiations with accurate information. Both RICS Level 2 and 3 Surveys can detect signs of subsidence, but the inspection that’s involved in a RICS Level 3 Survey will be much more thorough.

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

    Is Japanese Knotweed a Concern in Chelsea?

    Japanese Knotweed, also known as Fallopia Japonica, is a highly destructive plant that can grow up to 10cm per day, forcing its way through concrete, drains and properties’ foundations. It can cause major damage to a building and greatly decrease its value. The presence of Japanese Knotweed can sometimes lead to subsidence if the infestation is extreme.

    According to the UK Japanese Knotweed Heatmap, Chelsea and other areas in Central London have a high risk of Japanese Knotweed. In just one Chelsea postcode, there are 134 reported cases of the invasive plant. If you suspect your property has an infestation, it’s vital you hire a reliable surveyor to inspect the premises and conduct a property survey. If evidence of Japanese Knotweed is found do not attempt to remove it yourself, your surveyor can instead advise you of the next steps.

    Japanese Knotweed is notoriously difficult to remove and the process can cause further damage if not done correctly. The cost of having the plant professionally removed can be as high as £3,000 but it’s essential you do not attempt the job yourself. It’s important to note that you will have to review the land every 5 years to ensure there’s no regrowth once it’s been removed.

    Chelsea Japanese Knotweed heatmap taken from Environet website
    Chelsea Japanese Knotweed heatmap taken from Environet website