Buying a property in Kingston Upon Thames - Surveyors Perspective

 Kingston is a historic and affluent town in southwest London. It boasts a rich history with a substantial proportion of properties in the area dating from the Victorian era. Kingston sits on the banks of the River Thames, providing picturesque views and riverside walks.

The town boasts a bustling market square, high street shops, Bentalls shopping centre, and an array of popular restaurants and cafes. Richmond Park and Bushy Park are also nearby with extensive open green spaces.  

Kingston upon Thames is a vibrant hub for students with Kingston University located close to the town centre with a variety of student accommodation provided. 

Kingston upon Thames, colloquially known as Kingston has a rich heritage dating back to the Saxon Times. Some Saxon kings were crowned in Kingston adding to its royal significance. Kingston became a recognised town in the late 12th century when Kingston Bridge was constructed across the River Thames.
The town was an ancient borough formally incorporated in 1441, with a long history as a royal manor. It became part of Greater London in 1965 alongside the creation of the modern borough. The Bentalls department store has been in the town since 1867 and the introduction of the Bentalls Centre in 1992 enhanced the town's reputation further as a popular shopping destination. 

Much of Kingston's housing stock dates from the Victorian and Edwardian eras, with distinctive architecture, bay windows and often well-preserved features. Many of these homes have been lovingly restored and updated to meet modern living standards. However, the town has developed significantly over the years, with a mix of post-war housing and an abundance of contemporary developments, particularly near the town centre and along the riverside.  

Like many other areas in London, Kingston experienced the devastating impact of aerial bombing during the Second World War. Consequently, some homes in the area sustained bomb damage or were destroyed. As a result, some of the properties we see today show signs of movement and the aftereffects of the bombings. 

According to Surrey County Council Kingston County Hall, the former headquarters of Surrey County Council was bombed not once but three times during the Second World War. 

One of the worst incidents saw a V2 rocket hit the junction of Park Road and New Road killing eight people and injuring 117 others. A total of 33 homes were destroyed and over 2000 were damaged.  

A Home Survey or Building Survey will provide advice on any building movement evident and state whether it appears historic, possibly war-related, or if it is likely to be progressive movement requiring further investigation, remedial work and expenditure.  

 Much of Kingston is built on London Clay which is susceptible to shrinkage during prolonged dry periods and swelling during wet periods. This can cause movement to buildings, particularly after a long dry spell.  The older properties in the area will generally have shallower foundations compared with more modern dwellings and are therefore at increased risk of subsoil-related movement. 

A Home Survey or Building Survey by a qualified chartered surveyor will comment on any signs of foundation-related movement affecting the building and the associated risks.  

Much of the housing in Kingston is identified at a low risk of river-related flooding, however, parts of the town centre and some of the river roads close to the Thames and Hogsmill are classed as medium or high risk.  Some roads in Kingston are also at high risk of surface water flooding but this varies across the area. 

When purchasing a property your legal adviser will carry out searches and advise of such risks.  The Level 2 Home Survey and Level 3 Building Survey will also identify if the property is in a high-risk area.  

 Some parts of Surrey and London are affected by Radon gas. Radon is a radioactive gas, we can't see, smell or taste. It comes from the rocks and soil found everywhere in the UK and you need special equipment to detect it. The radon level in the air we breathe outside is very low but can be higher inside buildings. Most homes in Kingston, Surbiton, Norbiton, Coombe and New Malden are in the lowest band of radon potential and considered low risk. This will be checked as part of our desktop research. 

 Kingston and the surrounding areas are a great place to buy a property due to the historic character, green spaces, well-regarded schools, good transport links and local amenities. When purchasing any property make sure you instruct a Chartered Surveyor to carry out a survey before purchase to protect your investment.