FAQs About Surveying in Tunbridge Wells
Our team has done the research to answer any questions you have about the surveying process in Tunbridge Wells. A property survey is an important step in the house buying process, giving you vital details about the home you want to buy.
Our data showed the most popular survey type in Tunbridge Wells is a Homebuyers Survey. There is evidence of Japanese Knotweed in the area and some reports of subsidence.
What are the Most Popular Surveys in Tunbridge Wells?
Our unique data revealed that the Homebuyers Survey was the most popular survey type in Tunbridge Wells, organised primarily for detached and terraced homes.Building Surveys, although a much more thorough survey, were used far less in the area. For flats, just 4% of our users opted for a Building Survey.
Whilst over 40% of users arranged a Homebuyers Survey for either a detached home or terraced property, just 17% organised a Building Survey for the same property types. For semi-detached properties, 19% of our users opted for a Homebuyer Survey, in comparison to 10% who arranged a Building Survey.
When it comes to arranging a survey for your property purchase, the right one for you will depend on the home you are looking to buy. More modern homes will suit a Homebuyer Survey, whilst older homes or those in poor condition would benefit from a full Building Survey.
What Types of Historical Architecture Does Tunbridge Wells Have?
Tunbridge Wells has a vast range of architecture and property types on offer, from historic 15th century homes, period townhouses from the Victorian and Edwardians eras, equestrian properties and barn conversions and Arts & Craft style family homes. For those looking for something more modern, there are developments of new builds available in the area.
Existing properties proved to be the most popular type of property to purchase in Tunbridge Wells, with 172 sales of existing properties in February 2021 alone, compared to just 2 new build sales. The same amount of existing properties sold in January 2021, reports the UK House Price Index, with no records of new build sales in the same January.
Tunbridge Wells has 25 conservation areas and somewhere in the region of a staggering 3,000 separate buildings listed as being of special architectural or historical interest, according to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.
| Listed Buildings | 3,000 |
| Conservation Areas | 25 |
| New Build Sales* | 2 |
| Existing Property Sales* | 172 |
*Based on data for February 2021
Is Subsidence an Issue in Tunbridge Wells?
Subsidence is a term dreaded by homeowners and can cause a whole host of problems. Subsidence is what happens when a property “sinks” into the ground below, often caused by ground stability issues. This can decrease the value of the home and in severe cases, cause the home to be condemned.
Thankfully, a subsidence map created by Geobear, which identifies the subsidence hotspots throughout the UK, shows that the area of Tunbridge Wells has notably low levels of subsidence. Although it is present, it is significantly lower than other parts of the country where it may be more of a concern.
That said, it is vital that you are aware of any subsidence issues in and around the property before completing the purchase. Don’t forget, Compare My Move can connect you with an experienced building surveyor in Tunbridge Wells who can conduct a survey and provide a report with details of any stability or subsidence concerns.
Is Japanese Knotweed a Concern in Tunbridge Wells?
Japanese Knotweed is an invasive and harmful plant found throughout the United Kingdom. Initially introduced to British botanical gardens as an ornamental plant, and later sold commercially, its destructive nature and impact on property has since been realised.
Japanese Knotweed can grow up to 10cm per day during certain months of the year and has the ability to force its way through concrete and property foundations. As a result, it has the potential to cause considerable damage to homes and can be very expensive to remove.
It can also cause properties to drop in value and there have even been cases where lenders have not approved mortgages for properties plagued with a severe infestation.
A heatmap detailing the impact of Japanese Knotweed across the UK revealed that there are 40 reported occurrences of Japanese Knotweed within 4km on the centre of Tunbridge Wells. Although this is far less than the infestations found in areas such as South London, where it is rife, you will need to be aware of any growing on or near your property prior to purchase.
A surveyor will be able to identify if Japanese Knotweed is present on the grounds of the property you are looking to buy or in neighbouring land. And provide advice on how to proceed if it is found.
