FAQs About Surveying in Surrey
Compare My Move work hard to answer any questions you have when moving house in Surrey. Our data revealed that a homebuyers survey is the most popular survey in the area with our users, especially for those purchasing a semi-detached property.
Our research found evidence of both Japanese Knotweed and Subsidence, impacting some areas worse than others. Hiring an experienced surveyor to conduct the most suitable survey for the type of property you are looking to buy is an essential step in the house buying process.
What Are the Most Popular Surveys in Surrey?
The most popular survey type in Surrey is a homebuyers report, most commonly arranged for a semi-detached property, according to our data. We discovered that 26.20% of our users opted for a Homebuyers survey for their Surrey property, with just 13.27% arranging a Building Survey for this type of home.
Our data revealed that users purchasing flats had the least amount of surveys completed, with 8.88% of Compare My Move customers organising a Homebuyers Survey, and 1.44% doing so for a Building Survey.
Users looking to purchase detached properties and terraced houses also favoured a homebuyers survey, with 17.33% and 15.55% taking place on each type of home. For the same type of properties, 11.92% of users arranged a building survey for a detached home and only 5.92% of users did so for a terraced house.
Overall, Homebuyers Surveys proved to be the most popular in Surrey, but it is worth noting that this may not always be the best type of survey for every property in the area. Many older and period properties or homes in less than a perfect condition would benefit from a full building survey, which gives a far more in-depth look at the condition of the property.
What Types of Historical Architecture Does Surrey Have?
Surrey is a county steeped in history and architectural feats, dating back to the Romans and earlier. The county includes a number of prosperous and picturesque towns, many of which are a reasonable commute to London.
According to Surrey County Council, Surrey has 200 conservation areas. As for notable buildings, Surrey has over six thousand buildings of historic interest. The area has 105 Grade I listed buildings and 358 Grade II listed buildings in the county.
Although there are a number of listed buildings available for purchase and living, a large majority of the homes in Surrey include Victorian and Edwardian properties, post-war homes and newer properties built in the last few decades. New builds are also available in the area, but the older homes have proved to be the more favoured among buyers.
Older homes and other“existing” properties in Surrey were found to be far more popular for homebuyers in January 2020, with 1154 sales of these types of properties - from period homes to more modern properties found throughout the area. By comparison, just 85 “new build” homes were purchased in the same time frame according to the UK House Price Index. Off land, Surrey County Council has 22 houseboat moorings on the Basingstoke Canal, 20 at New Haw and two in Woking.
| Listed Buildings | 463 |
| Conservation Areas | 200 |
| New Build Sales* | 85 |
| Existing Property Sales* | 1154 |
*Based on data for January 2020
Is Subsidence an Issue in Surrey?
When purchasing a property in Surrey, you will need to ensure the property isn’t at risk of subsidence or ground instability.
Subsidence is what happens when the ground beneath a property compresses or “sinks” and as a result, creates an unbalanced foundation which can lead to a whole host of problems for the property. One of the main causes of subsidence is clay soil which is found throughout the UK. The clay soil shrinks, cracks and even shifts during changes in the weather.
According to Geobear’s UK Subsidence Map, there is evidence of subsidence concerns in the area of Surrey, with some areas appearing worse than others. Towns such as Epsom, Esher and Leatherhead all show high levels of subsidence, so be sure to have to correct survey completed for your home to ensure it is not a concern on or around the property you are looking to purchase.
For those considering buying an older or unconventional home in Surrey, a full building survey can give you a comprehensive review of the condition of the home, flagging any concerns regarding subsidence.
Is Japanese Knotweed a Concern in Surrey?
Japanese Knotweed is a dreaded plant for property homeowners. Initially introduced to the UK as an ornamental plant for botanical gardens and later sold commercially, Japanese Knotweed has since been deemed a highly problematic plant.
Japanese Knotweed can impact the stability and value of your property. It can grow through concrete, property foundations, walls and drains, causing a host of problems for homeowners. Some lenders have been known to refuse a mortgage for a property with an infestation of the plant.
Environet’s Japanese Knotweed Heatmap revealed that cases of infestations in Surrey were far less than in areas closer to London. However, many cases were still recorded, with more in certain areas. For example, there were 21 occurrences within 4km in the town of Leatherhead, whilst further north in Staines-Upon-Thames, 48 infestations were recorded within 4km. Guildford was another town in Surrey which reported a number of occurrences, with 37 found within a 4km radius.
When purchasing a property in Surrey, it is paramount that you enlist the services of a trusted surveyor to ensure that there isn’t evidence of an infestation on or around the home.
