Local information
Based on reallymoving data from January 2021 to May 2023
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Average property price:
£324,128
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Average number of bedrooms:
2.40
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reallymoving movers:
5,363
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Average distance moved:
80 miles
This data is shared by reallymoving customers who used our Chartered Surveyors in Dorset. It shows the average Dorset property price, the number of rooms in the property, how many home movers chose a Chartered Surveyor in this area, and how far they moved for the Dorset property.
What do surveyors in Dorset check during a house survey?
If you're buying a home in Dorset, whether it's a coastal cottage in Lyme Regis, a Georgian terrace in Dorchester, or a modern flat in Bournemouth, a Chartered Surveyor will carry out a thorough inspection of the property to assess its condition and highlight any issues with the property. This means you know exactly what you’re getting if you choose to buy the home.
What a surveyor will check and the depth they will go into will depend on the type of survey you choose. A typical house survey in Dorset will check:
- Major indoor elements and features (walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors)
- Signs of damp, mould, or excessive condensation, common in older coastal or countryside homes
- Insulation presence and quality, and quality of ventilation
- Structural integrity, including subsidence or movement (particularly in historic or rural homes)
- Timber for rot, infestation, or deterioration
- Visible elements of electric, gas, and drainage systems
- Environmental risks like flooding or coastal erosion (relevant in places like Weymouth or West Bay)
- Dangerous or invasive plants such as Japanese Knotweed
- Permanent outbuildings, extensions, and boundary walls
The surveyor will provide a detailed report and may also offer a valuation for an extra cost. A Level 2 and Level 3 Survey will also include suggestions for maintenance and repairs.
Given Dorset’s diverse housing stock, including listed buildings, thatched cottages, and eco homes, an independent survey is a crucial step in understanding the true condition of your potential home and avoiding costly surprises.
What’s the difference between a surveyor and a Chartered Surveyor in Dorset?
In Dorset, surveyors may have varying experience and qualifications, but only a Chartered Surveyor is formally accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). This qualification ensures they’ve completed comprehensive training and adhere to high professional standards.
With Dorset’s mix of heritage homes, countryside estates, and modern developments, local property knowledge is key. A Chartered Surveyor will understand region-specific issues such as damp in thatched cottages or structural wear in cliffside properties.
If something goes wrong, you are also able to raise concerns through RICS’s official resolution process. This provides peace of mind that even if something goes wrong you will be supported and covered. All surveyors on reallymoving are fully RICS-accredited and independently vetted, so you can feel confident in the advice you receive.
What types of house surveys can you get in Dorset?
There are three main types of RICS surveys, and the right one for you depends on the age, condition, and type of property you're buying in Dorset:
RICS Level 1: Condition Report - A basic overview of a property’s condition. This is ideal for newer builds or well-maintained homes in developments around Poole, Poundbury, or Ferndown.
Estimated cost: £300–£700
RICS Level 2: Homebuyers Survey - More detailed, including repair advice. Suitable for 20th-century homes or newer semis and bungalows in areas like Wareham or Verwood.
Average UK cost: £498.95
RICS Level 3: Building Survey - The most thorough option, suited to older, larger, or unusual homes—such as converted barns, thatched properties, or historic houses often found in Bridport, Beaminster, and rural villages.
Average UK cost: £661.29
The duration of the survey varies: a Level 1 may take just 1-2 hours, while a Level 3 can take most of a full day. Reports are typically ready within 3-7 days after the inspection.
How can I find a trusted Chartered Surveyor in Dorset?
Finding a local expert is simple with reallymoving. You can compare up to five quotes from RICS-accredited surveyors in Dorset by entering a few details about your move.
All surveyors on reallymoving are:
- RICS regulated and credit-checked
- Reviewed by previous customers
- Experienced with Dorset’s variety of property types and local building issues
Whether you’re buying a seaside flat in Swanage, a countryside cottage in Shaftesbury, or a detached home in Dorchester, a local surveyor will be familiar with regional risks, such as coastal weather damage, erosion, or damp in stone-built homes.
Check customer reviews, ensure the fees are transparent, and pick a surveyor who is responsive and communicative. A good surveyor will help make your purchase smoother and give you confidence in your decision.
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