Compare Homebuyer Surveys in Sussex

Save up to 70% off your surveying costs
Regulated Property Surveyors
Used by over 750,000 movers in the UK
Used by over 750,000 movers in the UK
Helping people save for over 10 years
Save up to 70% on the cost of moving

Moving House in Sussex? Save Up To 70% On Your RICS Level 2 Survey

A reliable surveyor will create a report based on the survey, making you aware of the condition of the property prior to purchase. Compare My Move will match you with up to 6 RICS registered property surveyors in the Sussex area, potentially saving you up to 70% on your surveying costs.

We only work with trusted and experienced chartered surveyors throughout the UK. Each of our surveying partners are put through a strict verification process which ensures you are matched with only the best professional surveyors in Sussex.

For newer properties built during the last few decades and in good condition, a RICS Level 2 Survey will most likely suffice. However, if the home is in less than ideal shape, older or has had extensive work undertaken on it, a RICS Level 3 Survey would be the better suited to give you a full overview of the home and its condition.

Our Sussex Chartered Surveyors

    As seen in: BT

    FAQ About Surveying in Sussex

    When it comes to arranging a survey for a property in Sussex, Compare My Move have done the research to answer any questions you have about the process. The most popular survey type in Sussex, according to our user data, is a RICS Level 2 Survey, most notably used for semi-detached properties. 

    Our research found evidence of subsidence in the area, especially in West Sussex, and that Hastings in East Sussex is one of the areas with the most cases of Japanese Knotweed.

    According to data from Compare My Move’s users, the most popular survey type in Sussex is a RICS Level 2 Survey, which was used for semi-detached properties by 28.33% of our users in Sussex. For the same type of property, just 8.33% opted for a RICS Level 3 Survey.

    RICS Level 2 Surveys also proved popular for both detached and terraced homes, being organised for 19% and 18.33% respectfully. Those who went with a RICS Level 3 Survey on these properties made up only 11.3% and 6.83% of our users.

    Flats saw the least amount of surveys undertaken across the board, with 7.17% of RICS Level 2 Surveys and 1.83% of RICS Level 3 Surveys being undertaken for this type of home. Clearly, the RICS Level 2 Survey has proved to be the most popular with Compare My Move users in the Sussex area.

    Nevertheless, this may not be the best type of survey for the property you are looking to buy. Older properties or those which have had extensions or a large amount of work undertaken on them will benefit from a RICS Level 3 Survey. This type of survey gives a far more in-depth overview of the property, highlighting any areas of concern including subsidence and evidence of Japanese Knotweed.

    Popular Survey Types in Sussex
    Popular Survey Types in Sussex

    What Types of Historical Architecture Does Sussex Have?

    Sussex is divided into East and West Sussex, which are in turn divided into several districts, each with a number of listed buildings and conservation areas. East Sussex is home to around 151 Grade I listed buildings and 348 Grade II listed buildings, whilst West Sussex boasts 176 Grade I listed buildings and 305 Grade II listed buildings.

    Sussex is an area rich in history, architecture and beauty. As a whole, Sussex has over 316 conservation areas across East and West, with Chichester in West Sussex being home to 85 conservation areas alone.

    With regards to the types of property available to purchase in Sussex, this ranges from large period homes and grand multi-bedroom properties to quintessential cottages and terraced housing from the Victorian and Edwardian era, in addition to new-build houses and modern apartments.

    Architecture Overview From Listed Buildings to Sales of New Buildings
    Listed Buildings980+
    Conservation Areas401
    New Build Sales*138
    Existing Property Sales*1,454

    *Based on data for 2023

    Is Subsidence an Issue in Sussex?

    Subsidence can be catastrophic for homebuyers and is the result of the ground beneath a property compressing or “sinking”, creating an unbalanced foundation for the home. In the worst cases, a home can be deemed uninhabitable and condemned due to severe subsidence.

    Clay soil, which is found throughout the UK, is one of the main causes of subsidence as this type of soil shrinks, cracks and even shifts during changes in the weather. According to Geobear’s UK Subsidence Map, there is evidence of subsidence concerns throughout East and West Sussex. Areas such as Worthing in West Sussex showed some of the highest readings, with Bognor Regis also being flagged as an area where subsidence is evident.

    Chichester in West Sussex showed low readings for subsidence, which is positive for those looking at properties in and around this area. However, as there is evidence of it, no matter how small, a survey would be highly recommended for anyone looking at property in Sussex. This can give you peace of mind over concerns such as subsidence and the issues it can cause,

    UK subsidence map taken from Geobear's website
    UK subsidence map taken from Geobear's website

    Is Japanese Knotweed a Concern in Sussex?

    Japanese Knotweed is a highly problematic plant which can cause a whole host of issues if found on your property. Initially brought to the UK as an ornamental plant for botanical gardens, the plant later sold commercially. Since then, it’s destructive nature has become evident and locating it is a key part of the surveying process.

    Japanese Knotweed can not only impact the stability of a property, it can also have a catastrophic effect on the value of your home. Japanese Knotweed can grow through concrete, property foundations, walls and drains, causing a host of problems for homeowners. Some lenders have even refused mortgages for properties with a large infestation of the plant.

    Environet’s Japanese Knotweed Heatmap revealed that the are areas throughout Sussex with infestations of the plant, most notably Hastings in East Sussex with 41 infestations with 4km. Overall, the area has a small number of infestations compared to areas like London. However, it appears across the county, with a number of infestations along the coast in areas such as Eastbourne, Seaford and New Haven.

    During your house buying process in Sussex, make sure that you compare surveyors with Compare My Move and to be matched with a professional and trusted surveyor who will be able to tell you if there is evidence of an infestation on or around the property you are looking to purchase.

    UK Japanese Knotweed heatmap taken from Environet website
    UK Japanese Knotweed heatmap taken from Environet website