As the home of moving home, Compare My Move aims to save users both time and money when arranging a property survey. Our dedicated team work hard to connect you with up to 6 RICS regulated property surveyors across the UK, helping you save up to 70% on your final surveying costs.
Rest assured, we only work with RICS registered surveyors who must all pass our strict verification process before joining the network. This ensures you’ll only be matched with the most professional and experienced property surveyors in Norwich.
A qualified and trusted surveyor will be able to provide you with an overview of the condition of the house, helping you decide whether it would be a worthy investment. You will also be provided with vital information concerning any issues with the property such as subsidence or Japanese Knotweed as well as any details of building work that will need to be completed.
Camsure Homes
The Thatch, 3 Dock Lane, Cambridge, CB25 9JF
Based in Cambridge, Camsure Homes provide our RICS homebuyer report (Level 2 Survey), building survey (level 3 Survey) and valuation across Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex and parts of Bedfordshire.
Ian Pitt
"Listed by CompareMyMove, otherwise would not have found them."
Searle Building Surveyors
3 Pipers Lane, Godmanchester, Huntingdon, PE29 2JN
Regulated by RICS, Searle Building Surveyors have been in the industry for over 20 years, surveying properties around the Cambridgeshire area.
Matt Langmead
"Fantastic service from Steve. He was extremely thorough, going above and beyond to cover every little detail. The survey was booked in quickly and the report came within a few days, despite it being very close to Xmas. Steve even phoned on the evening of the survey to talk through everything he'd found so I didn't have to wait for the report to get the headlines, a real personal touch and much appreciated. On top of all that, it was the best quote I found. The service I received went beyond my expectations and I'd happily recommend Searle Building Surveyors to anyone."
Watsons
18 Meridian Way, Norwich, NR7 0TA
First established in 1890, Watsons Property proudly offers a first-class surveying service to help with your house move. Fully regulated by RICS, we provide a RICS Home Survey Level 2 as well as a Home Survey Level 3 to help make your move stress-free.
Mark Marshall
"Very professional & straightforward, value wise a little pricier than others"
Pimy's Ltd
Thatched Cottage, Cransford, Woodbridge, IP13 9NZ
Established in 1998, Pimy’s Ltd has been undertaking Home Buyer Reports and Building Surveys for clients for over 22 years.
Peak Home Surveys Ltd
Thatched Cottage, Cransford, Woodbridge, IP13 9NZ
We are independent building surveyors covering South Yorkshire, Derbyshire or Nottinghamshire offering home buyers surveys, building surveys and valuation surveys, including Help to Buy revaluations.
Dunford Penrose Surveyors
Meadow End, Chattisham Road, Washbrook, Suffolk, EC1V 2NX
Dunford Penrose Surveyors are a firm of property surveyors covering London, East Anglia, and the South East.
Emily Chambers
"Very happy with the survey I received from Dunford Penrose. I received a call from the surveyor within a few hours after he had visited the property. He promptly answered my questions I had noted prior to the survey and include many pictures for me to inspect the results. I would highly recommend!"
Countrywide Home Surveys
Title Absolute Ltd, Broadhurst House, Manchester, M1 6EU
With over 450 in-house RICS qualified surveyors, Countrywide Home Surveys operates one of the largest, most trusted property surveying and valuation practices in the UK.
Maureen Tataryn
"Very easy to deal with quick and very accommodating, Easy to understand "
Peer | King Surveyors
Peer | King Surveyors, St George's Works, 51 Colegate, Norwich, NR3 1DD
Peer King Surveyors are a regulated firm with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and all of our surveyors maintain MRICS status and adhere strictly to the Institution's codes of professional conduct.
Stephen Michael Surveying
The River Rooms, Church Street, Norwich, NR12 7BX
Stephen Michael Surveying is a friendly, local and independent surveying service covering the Norfolk area.
Tim Betts
"I would highly recommend the services of Stephen Michael Surveying.The survey that we received was first class and over and above what we were expecting. The content of the report is informative and straight-forward, and it is clear that Stephen has a vast amount of knowledge and experience.Stephen kept us fully informed of progress, liaising with both Estate agent and the vendor. We thank him for making this part of purchasing a house as stress free as possible"
Edward Shepherd Associates Ltd
3 Fallow Corner Drove, Manea, March, PE15 0LT
Edward Shepherd Associates Limited are a team of surveyors based in March, Cambridgeshire.
Our team at Compare My Move have worked hard to answer all your vital questions regarding the surveying process in Norwich. Our data discovered that the most popular type of property survey in the area is the RICS Level 2 Survey, with 63.83% of our users requesting it.
We also found that both Japanese Knotweed and subsidence is a concern for homeowners in Norwich. This means it is essential you work with an experienced and reliable surveyor to successfully assess your home.
Using our unique surveying data, we’ve researched the most popular type of property survey amongst our users in Norwich. We discovered that the RICS Level 2 Survey was by far the most popular with approximately 63.83% of users requiring quotes for this type of survey. Amongst that percentage of users, 31.91% were purchasing detached homes whilst 14.89% were purchasing semi-detached properties.
Only 34.04% of users moving to Norwich required a RICS Level 3 Survey, with many of these buyers purchasing, again, detached properties. Unsurprisingly, 0% were buying flats. If you’re viewing a flat or fairly modern property, then the RICS Level 2 Survey will be better suited to your needs. However, if the home is unusually constructed or over 80-years of age, then a more thorough RICS Level 3 Survey will be the best option to assess the property’s structure.
Don’t underestimate the importance of organising a property survey when buying a house. A professional surveyor will thoroughly inspect the home to provide an easy-to-read report highlighting any defects or issues that may decrease the property’s value.
Norwich has an interesting history, with its medieval period still greatly represented by the 11th-century Norwich Cathedral and 12th-century castle. There are also 31 churches in the city that have been standing since the Middle Ages, as well as a variety of stunning 18th-century architecture.
However, in the 19th and 20th-century, there was an increase in demand for housing in Norwich, resulting in many Victorian and Edwardian houses and a range of commercial buildings in the city centre. The opening of the University of East Anglia in 1964 in particular increased interest with student accommodation being built to accommodate the thousands of new visitors. These older properties are extremely popular amongst movers in the area.
Whilst researching historical architecture in Norwich, we also discovered that the city has around 1,500 listed buildings. This is important to know as, if you decide to purchase a listed building, you will be required to obtain special permission to complete any work on the home. Listed buildings must be preserved and so there will be limits on what can be done to improve the property. You will also be required to organise a specialist Listed Building Survey and not a typical property survey.
We also discovered that there are 17 conservation areas in Norwich, all of which are listed on the local council’s Conservation Area Maps. Much like listed buildings, if you’re purchasing a property situated in a conservation area, you will require permission to complete certain work as the area must be preserved. There will be restrictions on what work can be completed on the building and surrounding land, possibly affecting your future plans.
Listed Buildings | 1,500 |
Conservation Areas | 17 |
New Build Sales* | 1 |
Existing Property Sales* | 171 |
*Based on data for 2023
Subsidence is an issue that occurs when there’s a change in the condition of the ground beneath a property. If the ground weakens, it can become unstable and sink, carrying the foundations of the building with it. This will then result in cracks on the walls and around door frames, potentially leading to even more serious damage to the foundations and structure.
Subsidence is a very serious concern for homeowners and can greatly devalue a property, making it difficult to sell in the future. Signs of subsidence can be highlighted during a property survey. However, if you’ve already noticed the signs yourself, it’s advised you arrange a RICS Level 3 Survey as the thorough inspection will assess any damage already done to the property’s structure.
According to the UK Subsidence Map, Norwich has a moderate risk of subsidence with some of the locations that are closest to Bowthorpe being depicted as high risk. Cities are often susceptible to subsidence as the increased weight and pressure can greatly weaken the ground. A build-up of groundwater can also contribute as it causes the soil to dry out.
The results of the property survey should highlight any signs of subsidence. The report can be crucial for many potential buyers as the presence of subsidence can decrease a property’s value making it an unworthy investment in the long run.
Japanese Knotweed is a very invasive and destructive plant that grows rapidly along railways, waterways, parks and gardens. It is notoriously difficult to treat and contain as the root system is formidable and capable of forcing its way through drains and concrete. It’s vital you arrange a property survey to highlight any infestations as Japanese Knotweed can reduce the value of a home by up to 10%. Many mortgage lenders will not approve a loan for a property with this plant due to this very reason.
As you can see on the Japanese Knotweed Heatmap, Norwich has a moderate risk of Japanese Knotweed infestations. Within the city centre alone, there have been approximately 61 occurrences of the formidable plant. The surrounding areas are also prone to infestations, increasing the importance of a property survey when buying property in this area.
If your surveyor does uncover evidence of Japanese Knotweed in your home, it’s vital you do not attempt to remove it yourself as it could cause further damage to the property. You will need the help of a professional remover who can safely treat and destroy the plant. You will also then need to check the previously infested area every year for 5 years to make sure it hasn’t returned.
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