Buying a property in Teddington - Surveyors Perspective

Teddington

Teddington is a charming and affluent suburb in the London borough of Richmond upon Thames. It boasts a rich history with a substantial proportion of properties in the area dating from the Victorian era. Teddington stretches along a meander of the Thames, nestled between Hampton Wick, Strawberry Hill and Twickenham.

Its residential charm extends from the riverbanks of the Thames to the lush greenery of Bushy Park, whilst at the centre of Teddington lies its bustling high street where you will find a mix of local shops, cafes and restaurants.

In 2021, the Sunday Times bestowed the title of the best place to live in London upon Teddington, and it’s easy to see why. 

Overall, Teddington is a fantastic location to purchase a property with an array of local amenities, well-regarded schools, Bushy Park, the River Thames, its proximity to more extensive shopping facilities in Kingston and good connections to central London. 

The history of Teddington

Teddington began as an agricultural hamlet, first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as ‘Todyngton’ as well as ‘Tudintone’. Its name is derived from an Old English tribal leader named Tuda, indicating its early origins as “Tuda’s settlement.” 

Throughout the centuries, Teddington evolved from a quiet riverside village into a significant residential and industrial suburb, especially after the arrival of the railway in 1863. 

The 20th century saw its prominence in the British film and television industry through Teddington Studios, which finally closed in 2014. 

Properties in Teddington

The bulk of Teddington’s housing stock is Victorian, in a mix of styles from simple workers' cottages to grand residential houses. All of these homes exude timeless appeal and many have been altered over the years,  providing additional floor space and modern open-plan layouts.

From this Victorian base, the area has grown over the years, but most of the later developments are sympathetic to Teddington’s style.

Surveying in Teddington

Like many other areas in London, Teddington 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 The Twickenham Museum, ‘November 1940 saw the borough sustain its highest casualties. 74 people were killed, the majority in a devastating attack which took place on the night of November 29. 130 bombs and between 3,000 and 5,000 incendiary devices rained down on Twickenham and Teddington, destroying 150 houses and damaging more than 6,000 others. The worst damage was sustained in Church Road, Teddington’. A scattering of post-war houses and flats can be seen amongst period homes in some of the roads in the area. 

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. 

Subsoil

Much of Teddington 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. 

Flood Risk

The majority of housing in Teddington is identified at a low risk of river-related flooding, however, some of the river roads adjacent to the Thames are classed as high risk. 

Some roads in Teddington 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. 

Radon

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 Teddington, Hampton Wick, Strawberry Hill and Twickenham are in the lowest band of radon potential and considered low risk. This will be checked as part of our desktop research.

Summary

Teddington 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.