Chartered Surveyors in Harlow
Harlow is one of the country’s original post-war New Towns, designated in 1947 and largely planned by Frederick Gibberd, and that history dominates its housing. Much of the town is mid-century planned housing — neighbourhood by neighbourhood — including extensive former local-authority stock and some non-traditional or system-built construction. Alongside it, Old Harlow retains a genuinely old core of Georgian, Tudor and period buildings, and there is a steady stream of newer development as the town and the surrounding garden-town growth continue. Knowing which of these a property belongs to is central to buying well here.
As chartered surveyors in Harlow, we always start by establishing what a home is actually built of. Much of the New Town stock is conventional brick-and-block, showing the usual pattern of ageing roofs and rainwater goods, dated services and later extensions; but some homes are of non-traditional or system-built construction, which can be perfectly sound but can also affect mortgageability and insurance, so we identify the type early. The Old Harlow period buildings bring the traditional issues of their age and often listing or conservation-area controls, and the newer developments call for snagging and, on leasehold, attention to the wider building.
For a genuinely modern home in good order, a Level 2 (RICS Home Survey) is often proportionate. For any home built in the 1930s or earlier — Old Harlow’s period buildings — anything non-traditional, system-built or ex-local-authority, or a property that has been altered or extended, a Level 3 (Building Survey) gives you the deeper inspection and the plain-English advice on repairs and mortgageability this varied stock so often needs. If you’re buying to a mortgage or need a figure for probate, matrimonial or Help to Buy purposes, our RICS Registered Valuer can provide a Red Book valuation.
We cover Harlow and the surrounding area, including Old Harlow, Church Langley, Sawbridgeworth and Epping, with independent, RICS-regulated advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Level 2 or Level 3 survey in Harlow?
For a genuinely modern home in good order a Level 2 Home Survey is usually proportionate. For anything non-traditional, system-built or ex-local-authority, for Old Harlow’s period buildings, or for a heavily altered property, a Level 3 Building Survey is the safer choice — it goes further and gives you more to act on.
How do I know if a Harlow house is non-standard construction?
As a New Town, Harlow includes pockets of non-traditional and system-built housing, which isn’t always obvious from the street. A Level 3 Building Survey identifies the likely construction type and explains what it means for repairs, mortgageability and insurance — important before you commit or apply for a mortgage.
What should I know about buying in Old Harlow?
Old Harlow retains genuinely old Georgian, Tudor and period buildings, some listed or in a conservation area. These need to be understood on their own terms, and our Level 3 survey is geared to exactly this kind of property, flagging where consents may have been needed.
Do you cover Church Langley and Sawbridgeworth too?
Yes. We survey across Harlow and the surrounding area, including Old Harlow, Church Langley, Sawbridgeworth and Epping, matching the inspection to each property’s age and construction.
Buying in Harlow, Old Harlow, Church Langley or Sawbridgeworth? Get an independent RICS surveyor’s view before you commit. Contact Gibsons Surveyors for advice on the right survey level and a fast, no-obligation quote.