FAQs About Surveying in Reading
Compare My Move’s expert team has collected useful data to answer all your vital questions relating to surveying in Reading. The most popular survey type amongst many of our Reading users is the Homebuyers Survey, with 58% choosing this option.
We also discovered that Reading properties are at moderate risk of both subsidence and Japanese Knotweed. As both issues can greatly affect a building’s value, it’s important you organise a property survey to assess the condition of the home before purchasing.
What are the Most Popular Surveys in Reading?
Our team at Compare My Move discovered that over 58% of our Reading users required a homebuyers survey on the properties they were considering purchasing. Many movers across the UK favour this type of survey as it provides an overview of the condition of the building, ensuring you can uncover any potential issues that may affect its value. However, despite being so popular, the homebuyers survey is not as thorough as the building survey.
Despite the number of Victorian and Edwardian properties in Reading, the least popular survey type for our users here was the building survey with only 42% choosing this option. If you’re searching for properties over 80-years old or properties that have had extensive work done, contain unconventional material or are in bad condition, then you will require the very thorough report that comes with a building survey. This will highlight any underlying issues or structural damage.
Our data also discovered that buyers purchasing terrace houses in Reading were most likely to require a homebuyers survey. Unsurprisingly, buyers of semi-detached properties were the users most likely to organise the highly-detailed building survey. Users purchasing flats were least likely to organise any property survey. This is a fairly common number as property survey reports are typically designed for larger homes. Any new-build homes, even flats, will actually require a snagging list.
Don’t forget to compare surveying quotes with Compare My Move to save up to 70% on your overall costs. Every surveying partner within our network is RICS registered and highly qualified, ensuring you’re matched only with the best in the business.
What Types of Historical Architecture Does Reading Have?
Due to its immense growth after the railway was installed, Reading has a number of beautiful Victorian and Edwardian homes for young families to explore. There are also a variety of worker’s cottages within the area, as well as traditional terraced houses. If you’re searching for something a little more modern, there are also many new developments to choose from.
There are currently 15 conservation areas in Reading, all of which are listed on the Reading Borough Council’s website. Conservation areas are defined as plots of land that contain ‘special architectural or historical interest’. As this will need to be preserved, the owners of the properties within the conservation area will need special permission should they wish to carry out any work or change their surroundings.
There are also approximately 521 listed buildings in Reading, 11 of which are labelled as locally important listed buildings. As with the properties within conservation areas, owners of listed buildings are also limited when it comes to potential repair work. For any changes to be made to these important structures, the owner will have to obtain special permission. If you’re interested in buying a listed building in Reading, you will require a Listed Building Survey and not a typical property survey.
Older, more traditional properties are very popular in Reading with over 165 ‘existing’ properties having been sold in January 2020, according to the UK House Price Index. Despite the many new developments being built, only 11 new-build homes were sold during this same month.
| Listed Buildings | 521 |
| Conservation Areas | 15 |
| New Build Sales* | 11 |
| Existing Property Sales* | 165 |
*Based on data for January 2020
Is Subsidence an Issue in Reading?
Subsidence is a dreaded term for many homeowners across the UK. It’s typically caused when the ground beneath a building compresses or sinks, making the foundations unbalanced. This results in the property’s foundation becoming misaligned, causing large cracks around the door frames and windows. Reading is located fairly close to London, contributing to its moderate risk of subsidence.
According to GeoBear’s UK Subsidence Map, Reading town centre is a hotspot for subsidence, with the immediate surrounding areas being at moderate to low risk. Subsidence is often caused by the ground beneath a property drying up due to the pressure and weight being put on it from a number of heavy buildings. Large cities and towns like Reading and London have densely packed areas with a variety of immense buildings, adding pressure to the ground and weakening it.
If you suspect the property you’re viewing has signs of subsidence, it’s advised you seek a property surveyor to assess the home, preferably through a thorough building survey. This will then highlight any potential risks and state if there is significant damage already being caused. Subsidence can greatly affect a building’s value so it’s worth investing in a survey even if it’s simply to provide evidence during the negotiations.
If you’re searching for property within Reading’s town centre or anywhere closer to London, it’s advised that you schedule a property survey to uncover any worrying issues that could be a result of subsidence. Don't forget to use Compare My Move to compare surveying quotes and save up to 70% on your costs.
Is Japanese Knotweed a Concern in Reading?
According to Environet’s Japanese Knotweed Map, Reading properties are at moderate risk of experiencing Japanese Knotweed infestations. This destructive and fast-growing plant can reduce the value of a building by up to 10% with many mortgage lenders denying applications due to its presence.
Users searching for homes within Reading town centre should be on the look-out for any signs of this nuisance plant. Buyers house-hunting on the outskirts of Reading will not have to worry as much as the map indicates a much lower risk of Japanese Knotweed. Areas that generally see issues include public parks and green spaces, so it’s important to be wary if the property you’re interested in is located anywhere near these examples.
As it’s dangerous to remove Japanese Knotweed yourself, it would be wise to arrange a property survey to identify the issue before considering your next steps. The surveyor can assess any damage caused by the plant and advise you on professional removers in your local area.
