"Competitively priced service, the agent I dealt with was very helpful. On the day of the survey itself I received a call from the surveyor to run through his initial findings. The quality of the report produced was excellent, very detailed and thorough. If needed I will be using SAM Conveyancing's services again in the future for sure."
Local Building Survey Deptford
Our Building Surveyors specialise in the local area and have completed house surveys in London, Peckham, New Cross, Brockley, Rotherhithe, Blackheath and Lewisham.
We work with specialist RICS Building Surveyors to undertake Home Buyers Surveys in Deptford. Whether you are buying an old run down 'doer upper' or standard construction freehold house, our RICS surveyors have seen them all.
With a vast number of years of experience completing building surveys on properties in Deptford we'll be able to give you the detailed Deptford HomeBuyers report that you will need to know and what defects there are with your property.
Defects flagged in a Deptford Home Buyers Survey
Local Tip: Subsidence
If you're considering buying a property in or around Deptford, getting an Environmental Search Report, one of the main property conveyancing searches, is an important way to find out if there are environmental issues which might affect your enjoyment of the dwelling.
A recent such report, bought for a property in 423 New Cross Road, London SE14 6TA revealed that the property had the potential for natural ground instability within 50 metres of its vicinity. This might indicate that the property might be more susceptible to matters such as subsidence, however further professional tests would need to carried out to get a more definite idea.
Local Tip: Damp
According to the UK Health Security Agency, all of Deptford, including streets such as Grinling Place and Lamerton Place, is in a raised radon area, with properties built there having a higher probability than average of experiencing ground Radon emissions.
The raised Radon area has a maximum radon potential of 1-3% (the percentage is the chance of a property being built where Radon emissions might measure above the action level).
If you are concerned that a property you are buying is in an area of raised Radon, please click to visit UK Health Security Agency's UK Radon Map. Click also to find out more about Radon, Radon property searches and much more.
Local Tip: Asbestos
Some properties in Deptford are built in designated smoke control areas.
A recent Local Authority Search, the most important of the conveyancing property searches and always insisted-upon by your lender if you're buying using a mortgage, which was taken out for a property in Bowerhouse Court, Cofferdam Way, London SE8 3GQ revealed that the dwelling was in a smoke control area. Under the terms of Section 20 of the Clean Air Act 1993, smoke emissions from all buildings are prohibited unless an exemption has been made by the Secretary of State under Section 21 of the Act.
Additionally, the search revealed that an extension of the Bakerloo Line tube railway was planned to run in the vicinity of the property. If the plan goes ahead, this most likely might entail destruction during the construction period, but, most often, an uplift in price once any nearby tube stations are opened.
Types of property in Deptford?
Although Deptford has a long maritime-related history, it has been extensively redeveloped and most latterly in the late 20th century, when the docklands in general was recreated as a financial area and with it, numerous apartment developments ranging from luxury flats to affordable living spaces. There are, however, some notable architectural survivals. These include the Olympia Warehouse in the former Deptford Dockyard, built in 1846 and which is Grade II listed, and Stone House, which was built between 1771 and 1773, also Grade II listed, which is very much a Georgian period property. The former Deptford Town Hall, now part of Goldsmiths College, is a fine-fronted Victorian municipal building.
Modern buildings include the McMillan Student Village on the junction of Creek Road and Deptford Church Street, which consists of small, self-contained apartments and rooms and Laban Dance Centre, which has very pleasing glass work.
There are also numerous new build developments, many of which offer shared ownership terms.
Why Choose SAM Conveyancing for your Home Survey?
In helping over 15,339 survey clients since 2014, we've learned a lot about surveys in Deptford using our panel of over 100 Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Your Deptford surveyor will be local to your property, so whether you're worried about subsidence, damp, infestations, extensions, or even just for peace of mind, we've got you covered.
Our HomeBuyers Survey costs are fixed and competitive, as you'll see from all our Excellent reviews on Trustpilot. This means you don't have to break the bank to get a full health check on your new home. Get a Home Buyer Survey Quote today, or if you're not sure which survey to choose and want to know the difference between a Level 2 Home Survey and a Level 3 Building Survey, then give us a cal,l and we'll happily tell you what you need - 0207 112 5388 (local call charges apply).
What defects are flagged in a Homebuyer's Survey?
Cracks are inspected and in the report will confirm if you need a structural engineer as there are signs of historical or current movement.
The RICS surveyor will use a moisture meter in the rooms and report any high levels along with any mould or damp causing damage to the walls/windows.
The wooden door frames and windows will be inspected for rotting and wood worm.
The surveyor looks for signs of infestations through droppings, damage to piping/flooring and in some cases finding where the nest is.
The surveyor will check the grounds of the property and, where possible, check over the fences to neighbouring plots to identify if there is a risk of Japanese knotweed.
The surveyor lifts up accessible man hole covers to check if the drains are blocked. You may need to get your drains inspected with CCTV.
The surveyor will enter into the roof/loft space if there is a safe and accessible ladder. They'll look for insulation, signs of leaking and and damage.
Average Cost of Building Surveyor in 2026 in Deptford
The cost varies depending on the size and condition of the property, with the average cost of our HomeBuyers Survey starting at £375 EXC VAT. The average cost of a Building Survey is higher. Our fixed fees start at £499 EXC VAT.
To ensure accuracy, we utilise Rightmove or Zoopla to assess the property type, guaranteeing a fixed quote tailored to your needs. For guidance on choosing the right survey, contact our survey specialists at 0207 112 5388.
Thinking of moving to Deptford?
Deptford is an area of South East London on the south bank of the River Thames within the London Borough of Lewisham. It has a historical association with docks and shipbuilding and other possible and famous myths and legends, such as being the location where Sir Walter Raleigh lay down his cloak for the then Queen Elizabeth to walk over, saving her feet from getting wet, or where Christopher Marlowe, the famous playwright, was said to be murdered in a house along Deptford Strand.
Deptford's economy plummeted with the decline of the Port of London's shipping, however, factories have been sited there, as well as numerous artistic haunts and great green spaces.
Landmarks and attractions in the area include, among others, Deptford Railway Station, one of the oldest suburban stations in the world (completed 1838), St Nicholas' Church, the Albany Theatre, Deptford Cinema, Creekside, the Dog & Bell pub and the parks of Brookmill, Deptford, Ferranti and Sayes Court Park.
Frequently Asked Questions: Homebuyers Survey Deptford
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RICS Level 2 Home Survey with a Valuation
A RICS Level 2 Home Survey, which used to be called the HomeBuyer Report or a Home Buyer Survey, is generally suitable for:
- Bungalows
- Flats
- Standard construction houses
The majority of Deptford's leasehold flats require only a RICS HomeBuyer Report but for any Victorian conversions, a Building Survey may well be required.
RICS Level 3 Building Survey
A Level 3 Home Survey, also known as a Building Survey or a full structural, is the most comprehensive visual inspection a RICS surveyor can provide on a property in Deptford. It is suitable for:
- complex buildings, for example those that have been extensively extended and altered
- unique or older historic properties
- properties in poor condition; or
- those where the client is planning to carry out extensive repair and refurbishment work.
Speak to one of our team on 0207 112 5388 to find out if your property suits a RICS Building Survey, or read our article Which Home Buyers Survey suits your property .
