FAQ About Surveying in Peterborough
When it comes to moving house and arranging a property survey in Peterborough, the Compare My Move team have undertaken research to answer questions you may have about the process.
The most popular survey type in Peterborough is a homebuyers survey, arranged by our users for a detached property more than any other type of home. Our research found that there was a small amount of subsidence in the area and that 18 occurrences of Japanese Knotweed.
What are the Most Popular Surveys in Peterborough?
According to data from Compare My Move’s users, the most popular survey type in Peterborough is a homebuyers survey, most notably arranged for detached properties (33.19% of users). This was also the type of home which had the most building surveys arranged by our users in Peterborough, at 21.28%.
Compare My Move users in the Peterborough also favoured the homebuyers survey for semi-detached properties, at 19.15%, terraced houses, at 8.51% and flats, which accounted for 1.70%.
For the same type of properties, 10.64% arranged a homebuyer survey for a semi-detached house, 6.38% did so for a terraced home and just 0.43% arranged a building survey for a flat.
That said, the most popular, and cheaper, type of survey may not necessarily be the right survey for the type of property you are buying. Many terraced homes were built during the Victorian and Edwardian era and due to their age, would benefit fro a building survey. This is also true for other period homes or homes that are in less that ideal condition.
What Types of Historical Architecture Does Peterborough Have?
The City of Peterborough is home to a number of locations which are visited by residents and visitors alike throughout the year. Most notably is Peterborough Cathedral, although there are other attractions such as Southwick Hall which holds historical and architectural significance.
Peterborough has a considerable amount of architecture and buildings of historical interest, boasting 68 Grade I listed buildings and 44 Grade II listed buildings. Furthermore, the city is home to 29 conservation areas.
The types of property available in Peterborough include a range of new-build properties, in addition to “existing” homes which consist of terraced houses, post-war houses and bungalows and a host of detached and semi-detached properties from the Victorian and Edwardian eras.
According to the UK house price index, for January 2020, just 15 sales of “new build” properties were completed in the city of Peterborough. In stark contrast, sales of “existing properties” were 182 for the same time period.
| Listed Buildings | 112 |
| Conservation Areas | 29 |
| New Build Sales* | 15 |
| Existing Property Sales* | 182 |
*Based on data for January 2020
Is Subsidence an Issue in Peterborough?
Subsidence is a word dreaded by buyers and sellers alike, a result of the ground beneath a property compressing or “sinking”. This creates an unbalanced foundation for the home causing a whole host of problems and in some cases, causing a home to be deemed uninhabitable and condemned.
Clay soil, which is found throughout the country, is one of the main causes of subsidence as this type of soil shrinks, cracks and even shifts during changes in the weather.
Geobear’s UK Subsidence Map shows a relatively small amount of subsidence in and around the city of Peterborough. However, there is evidence of concerns in the area and regardless of how small the concern may be, a survey would be highly recommended for anyone looking at property in Peterborough. The survey results can provide you with peace of mind and allow you to make an educated decision on the property purchase prior to completion
Is Japanese Knotweed a Concern in Peterborough?
Brought to the UK initially for display in botanical gardens and later sold to the public, it has since been discovered that Japanese Knotweed is a destructive plant and ensuring it is not evident within the grounds of a property is a key part of the surveying process.
Japanese Knotweed can not only impact the property physically, it can also affect the value of the home. This hardy plant can grow through concrete, property foundations, walls and drains, causing a number of problems for homeowners. Some lenders have been known to refused mortgages for properties with a large infestation of the plant.
Environet’s Japanese Knotweed Heatmap revealed that the city of Peterborough has 18 occurrences of the plant within a 4km radius. Although this is considerably less than other cities in the same part of the country, such as Birmingham and Coventry, it is the highest amount in the surrounding area.
As a result, a survey would be strongly advised to ensure that the property you are purchasing does not have an infestation of the land or the neighbourings grounds. Make sure that you compare surveyors with Compare My Move and to be matched with a professional and trusted surveyor in the city of Peterborough.
