FAQs About Surveying in Ilford
The Compare My Move team have done all the hard work for you, answering all your vital questions concerning surveying in Ilford. Our data revealed that the most popular property survey in the area is the homebuyers survey, with most users needing it for terraced homes.
Our research discovered that Ilford properties are at risk of both subsidence and Japanese Knotweed due to its proximity to the crowded city of London. When buying a home in this large, active town, you will require a property surveyor to highlight any issues or defects.
What Are the Most Popular Surveys in Ilford?
According to our data, around 57% of our Ilford users require a homebuyers survey to help them with their property purchase, making it the most in-demand survey type for this area. The remaining percentage of Ilford movers opted for the more detailed survey type, the building survey. As Ilford is a part of East London, there will be a lot of fairly modern homes and even a number of new developments. As the homebuyers survey is designed for properties under 80-years of age, it explains why it’s so popular in this area.
Ilford contains a variety of grand terrace homes for young families and professionals, which is why this property type is the most popular amongst our Ilford users. Terraced house owners were the users who most requested a property survey through Compare My Move. Whilst 21.40% of these buyers required a homebuyers survey, 16.24% required a building survey. The only property type that beat terraced homeowners were semi-detached home buyers with 19.19% requiring building surveys.
Those considering buying flats mostly required a homebuyers survey, which isn’t surprising as many flats and apartments in Ilford are fairly new. As it’s a densely-packed area, there weren’t many detached buyers looking for property surveys. Only 4.43% were looking to arrange a homebuyers survey and 4.06% were looking for building surveys.
What Types of Historical Architecture Does Ilford Have?
A large suburban town in East London, Ilford saw immense growth throughout the 19th century after the railway was first introduced to the area. The most common property types you’ll find in the main town are Victorian terraced houses and perhaps a few modern flats and apartments.
During the interwar period, there were a number of beautiful semi-detached properties built, many of which can be found in Caterham Avenue. There are also a number of new developments to explore, should you be interested in purchasing a new-build home. In January 2020, the London Borough of Redbridge where Ilford is located saw only 6 new-build properties sold whilst 180 existing properties were sold.
There are 16 conservation areas within the Borough of Redbridge, all of which can be found on the local council’s Conservation Areas Map. If you’re viewing properties within one of these preserved areas, it’s important to note that you will require permission to carry out any work on the land or building.
There are also approximately 162 listed buildings in the Borough of Redbridge, with 32 of them located in Ilford. As with conservation areas, listed buildings are highlighted by the local council as having historical, local or architectural importance and so they must be preserved. This means that anyone who has purchased a listed building must not carry out any work without permission.
| Listed Buildings | 162 |
| Conservation Areas | 16 |
| New Build Sales* | 6 |
| Existing Property Sales* | 180 |
*Based on data for January 2020 for the Borough of Redbridge
Is Subsidence an Issue in Ilford?
Subsidence is a dreaded word for many homeowners - it occurs when the ground beneath a property collapses or sinks, taking part of the foundations with it. This can greatly devalue a property and make it very difficult to sell in the future. As Ilford is a town in East London, subsidence will be something many buyers will have to look out for.
There are a number of factors that can cause subsidence, including clay soil, a history of mining and even landfill sites. However, one of the biggest reasons is increased pressure weakening the ground. London is a hotspot for subsidence as there are many buildings on small, condensed pieces of land. With this added weight and pressure, the ground beneath the buildings can gradually weaken and sink.
As Ilford is part of East London, there will be pockets of areas with a high risk of subsidence. The issue may not be as severe as it is in Central London, however, as you can see on the UK subsidence map, Ilford properties are still at risk.
Do not underestimate the importance of a property survey, especially in a busy and active town such as Ilford. The survey report will highlight any defects or problems with the property, some that may even convince you to walk away from the transaction. Your surveyor will assess the building and warn you of any signs that subsidence is present.
Is Japanese Knotweed a Concern in Ilford?
Japanese Knotweed is a very intrusive and destructive plant that can force its way through concrete and drains. It’s important to uncover whether a property has an infestation before you decide to buy as it can greatly affect the value of a home. It can be a difficult process to remove the plant and so you should never attempt it without the help of a professional.
According to the Environet Japanese Knotweed Heatmap, Ilford does have issues with this dangerous plant. As London has a number of heavy infestations, it has travelled to the town of Ilford. If you suspect the property you’re interested in has an infestation of Japanese Knotweed, it’s important you hire a professional and qualified surveyor who can identify the problem and advise you on the appropriate next steps.
Do not try to remove Japanese Knotweed yourself as the removal process is very difficult and you could cause more damage. It can cost up to £3,000 to remove this frustrating plant but it’s vital you hire a professional. Once it’s been removed, you will have to check on the infected area every year for 5 years to ensure it’s completely dead.
