Camsure Home Surveys in Chippenham offers comprehensive surveying services to help you feel confident when buying a property. Whether you’re considering a traditional home in the Monkton Park area or a modern build near Pewsham, we provide services such as Homebuyer Surveys, Building Surveys and RICS Valuations.
Recently named the UK's Best Surveyors for 2024 by Compare My Move, Camsure is trusted by homebuyers and lenders alike. Our RICS-accredited team ensures that you receive detailed insights into the condition of your property, helping you avoid any unexpected issues. Additionally, our high ratings on platforms such as Trustpilot highlight the positive feedback from our satisfied clients.
A mortgage valuation isn’t a substitute for a full survey. It just assesses whether the property is suitable security for your loan and might not involve a physical inspection.
At Camsure, we help you understand the property’s condition, so you can proceed with confidence. Our clear, informative reports include photos and detailed advice, allowing you to plan your purchase effectively.
If you’re unsure which survey type is best for your property, we also provide guidance to help you choose the right service. Book a consultation today to discuss your requirements.
At Camsure, our surveyors in Chippenham are highly experienced and RICS-accredited, providing trusted advice to homebuyers throughout the area. We are familiar with local properties, from older homes near Bath Road to newer developments in areas like Hardenhuish.
Our team offers a full range of services, including RICS Homebuyer Reports and Building Surveys, ensuring you receive the information needed to make a confident choice. Our RICS Valuations are also trusted by lenders, ensuring you know the market value of the property before you buy.
Local knowledge plays a key role in our service. We understand the importance of local insights, such as assessing any potential impact from Chippenham’s proximity to the River Avon. With years of experience in the area, we deliver clear, reliable reports that help you understand the condition of your potential new home.
Importance of Choosing a RICS Surveyor
Choosing a RICS surveyor is important for anyone looking to buy a property. RICS-accredited surveyors are highly trained professionals with extensive knowledge of property conditions and local market insights. They provide thorough assessments that can help you avoid costly surprises after your purchase.
We are proud to be RICS-regulated and recognised as the Best UK surveyor for 2025 by Compare My Move. Our reputation for quality is echoed in positive feedback shared across customer reviews and recognised on AI platforms like ChatGPT, Ask AI and Gemini.
Choose us for trusted expertise, outstanding service and peace of mind.
In Chippenham, the cost of a home survey usually ranges from £420 to £1,550.
Several factors can influence the cost of a survey:
Property Size: Larger homes take more time to survey.
Property Condition: Older homes may require a more thorough inspection for potential issues.
Survey Type: Selecting the right survey is essential for getting the information you need.
We're here to assist you! Contact us today to discuss your property in Chippenham and receive advice on the most suitable survey for you.
Our website offers helpful articles that answer common questions about property surveys and the home-buying process. These articles cover the various types of surveys, what to expect during a survey and how to choose the right one.
If you have any questions, please get in touch. We're always here to provide more information and support.
Geoffrey was born in Middlesbrough but moved to South Africa with his family during his childhood. He completed his education there and established himself as a skilled and dedicated surveyor.
After recently returning to the UK, Geoffrey is now married and has a daughter working in London. His son remains in South Africa to finish his studies.
"A professional , prompt and thorough service delivered in a professional and ethical manner."
- Geoffrey, Chippenham Surveyor, Camsure Home Surveys 2024
Geoff was extremely efficient
Everyone at Camsure was super helpful, knowledgeable and did a fantastic job. Even when my initial survey appointment had to be cancelled due to illness, they were apologetic and got me another appointment ASAP. The survey itself was not as expensive as I thought it would be, which was a bonus. My surveyor, Geoff, was extremely efficient and introduced himself to me prior to the survey. He produced a detailed report and offered to talk me through anything I was unsure of. Extremely pleased with their service!
A detailed visual inspection to clearly see the property's condition and any concerns prior to purchase.
Confirms market value and provides a rebuild cost for insurance purposes.
The most comprehensive survey, ideal for older properties, those in poor condition or where major works are planned.
Written market valuation for various purposes including Help To Buy, Shared Ownership and inheritance tax.*
*Valuations and rebuild costs can be added to a Building Survey at request, for an additional fee.
Case Study: RICS Level 3 Building Survey – North Wraxall, Chippenham Property: 3-bedroom semi-detached barn conversion
Location: North Wraxall, Chippenham, Wiltshire
Year Built: 1900
Survey Type: RICS Level 3 Building Survey
Background:
Our Chippenham surveyor was recently instructed to conduct an RICS Level 3 Building Survey on a striking semi-detached barn conversion in North Wraxall, Wiltshire. Originally built in 1900, this 3-bedroom property had undergone modernisation over the years, but the clients wanted a thorough assessment to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the home before proceeding with the purchase.
What Happens During an RICS Building Survey?
An RICS Level 3 Building Survey is the most comprehensive type of property inspection, ideal for older, larger or heavily modified homes like this barn conversion. During the survey, every visible and accessible part of the property is inspected and given a condition rating. If any areas cannot be accessed, further investigation is recommended.
Inside the Property:
The surveyor examined all key structural elements for potential damage, hazards and future risks. Particular focus was placed on:
Services to the Property:
Utilities, drainage and other services were inspected as far as they were visible and accessible. The surveyor tested these systems for "normal everyday use" to check for any immediate issues. Any areas where further detailed inspections were needed were noted.
Outside the Property:
The surveyor assessed the external structure of the property, focusing on:
Conclusion: This RICS Level 3 Building Survey provided the buyer with a clear, detailed understanding of the property's condition, highlighting areas for immediate attention and offering insight into potential future repairs. The barn conversion's age and construction style made this type of comprehensive survey very important, allowing the client to move forward with confidence.
For properties like this one, where unique or older construction may be involved, choosing an RICS-accredited surveyor ensures thorough, professional advice, helping buyers gain a comprehensive understanding before completing a purchase.
Our skilled surveyors provide various survey choices to match your requirements and the kind of property you're considering. Take a look at our thorough descriptions below to discover the ideal survey.
Our qualified RICS surveyor, located in Chippenham, is prepared to carry out a detailed Homebuyer Report tailored for properties in good condition constructed after 1930.
Using a simple "traffic light" system, the report highlights the current condition and structural integrity of the property. In addition to the physical evaluation, the report offers useful insights into legal matters. It pinpoints urgent issues needing immediate attention, proposes potential solutions for defects affecting the property's worth and gives advice on future upkeep.
For a modest extra charge, we also offer a market valuation service for your property. This thorough report goes beyond the essentials, considering environmental factors like flood risks, proximity to mining or landfill sites, soil types and the presence of radon gas. Furthermore, it assesses the potential impact of major infrastructure projects, such as the HS2 rail line, on your property's value.
This detailed check goes further than the HomeBuyer Report, giving a deeper look into the condition of the property and offering useful extra guidance.
For a modest extra cost, you can opt for a property valuation assessment, which gives tailored suggestions on dealing with any problems, repairs or upkeep needs.
The aim of this thorough report is to help you make informed choices about the property's condition and get ready for future maintenance work.
Our impartial assessment looks to determine the market worth of your property and may pinpoint areas requiring further examination.
For Help to Buy applications, our specially qualified RICS-registered surveyor will evaluate your home's value, crucial for working out your financial commitment.
Please be aware that this valuation remains valid for three months.
The Help to Buy scheme assists first-time buyers in getting on the property ladder. Learn about the RICS Help To Buy Valuation and its role in the process.
Read More
Also known as a "Red Book Valuation," this survey provides a lender-approved assessment of your property's market value.
Read More
The Homebuyer Report provides a comprehensive overview of the property's condition, including potential repair costs. This information can be used to negotiate a more favourable purchase price.
Read MoreCamsure were smooth and efficient throughout the process
Camsure were smooth and efficient throughout the process. They took into account the areas we asked them to focus on during our Level 3 survey. They quickly worked with our vendor's estate agents to book a date and time for the survey within 2 weeks of our payment. The report was delivered to us at the end of that same working day. The report itself was detailed, focused and well presented. The language used was clear and generally avoided jargon. The images provided were also clear and gave great clarity to the report. They highlighted potential concerns with the property without using unnecessarily inflammatory language - we have had previous surveys where the language was so concerning that we considered pulling out of a purchase, only to realise it was overinflated. Camsure did not do this. Overall I was very happy with their service and would use them again if I had cause to.
It depends on the complexity of your property.
Most RICS surveys are completed in 2-24 hours, with larger or more complex properties potentially requiring longer.
Talk to your chosen surveyor directly to confirm the expected timeframe for both the inspection and the report delivery.
BUYING A HOME:
Get a survey after your offer is accepted: This demonstrates your seriousness and streamlines the process.
SELLING YOUR HOME:
Consider a pre-sale survey: Identify potential issues that could delay or even stall your sale.
CONCERNED ABOUT REPAIRS
Invest in a Level 2 survey: Gain valuable insights and plan for necessary repairs before they escalate.
The time between your survey and buying the house varies based on the findings.
If there are no major issues: the process can continue smoothly as planned.
If significant problems are discovered, you might consider:
These steps may involve additional inspections from other specialists, which can extend the timeline.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, surveys are optional, but highly recommended. They can give buyers confidence and prevent unforeseen problems later.
In Scotland, getting a survey is a must before you can even list your property.
A Red Book valuation is an official assessment of a property's value that can be trusted by the person who requests it. Unlike a general market appraisal, it's used for more serious matters like tax calculations or legal disputes.
These valuations follow strict rules set by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and are done by certified professionals. They're often needed for things like inheritance tax, divorce cases or property disputes.
The process ensures the valuation is thorough and reliable, with the surveyor having the right qualifications and insurance to back up their work.
Over the past year, property sales in Chippenham have shown varied trends. Terraced houses were the most commonly sold, followed by semi-detached and detached homes. While sales prices have slightly declined compared to the previous year, they remain higher than the 2021 peak.
| Property Type | Average Price (£) | Percentage of Sales |
|---|---|---|
| Terraced Properties | £253,189 | Most sales |
| Semi-detached Properties | £294,872 | |
| Detached Properties | £452,948 |
Source: RightMove December 2024
Chippenham is experiencing significant growth in housing developments, addressing the increasing demand for homes in the area. Here’s an overview of the latest projects that are set to shape the landscape of this historic market town.
A new phase of the expansive housing project by Bloor Homes South West has received approval, despite concerns from nearby residents regarding potential flooding. The latest phase will introduce 56 homes and necessary infrastructure, contributing to a total of up to 450 dwellings planned for the site. This development is located on an open field southeast of Easton Lane, close to the A350. Wiltshire Council’s northern area planning committee initially deferred the decision due to worries about the impact on properties that have previously experienced flooding, underscoring the importance of balancing development needs with community concerns.
In February 2024, Persimmon Homes Wessex secured planning approval for 95 new high-quality homes on a brownfield site that previously housed the Wiltshire Ambulance Service’s disused station. This zero-carbon ready development will feature energy-efficient homes powered by air source heat pumps and equipped with electric vehicle charging points. The project is designed to support local first-time buyers, families and downsizers, while also enhancing public green spaces and contributing over £1 million towards local services and facilities. The integration of biodiversity measures, such as bird and bat boxes, highlights a commitment to environmental sustainability.
Taylor Wimpey has gained approval for a development of 120 homes on the former Showell Nurseries site, adjacent to the existing Rowden Park development. While outline permission was granted in 2020, the revised plans indicate an increase in the number of homes due to new designs that are net-zero carbon ready. Features such as solar panels, air source heat pumps and triple glazing are set to enhance the energy efficiency of these homes. Concerns were raised about potential reductions in garden sizes, but the planning officer confirmed that the overall density remains consistent with previous approvals, ensuring that the character of the area is maintained.
A proposal has emerged to replace 14 homes on Oate Hill with up to 25 new affordable homes, utilising modern construction methods to meet current energy efficiency standards. This initiative aims to enhance the supply of social housing in Chippenham and is part of a broader strategy that includes other sites across North Wiltshire. The planned developments on Dixon Way, The Rosary and Brooklands further support the goal of providing affordable housing options in the region.
Plans are underway for the Rawlings Green development, which could see the construction of up to 650 new homes, along with a new link road to improve connectivity in Chippenham. Despite receiving outline planning permission in 2021, there are community concerns about the potential for increased traffic congestion. The proposed link road would connect the development to existing transport routes, but residents fear that the influx of new homes could exacerbate traffic issues in the area, particularly around Monkton Park.
The housing developments in Chippenham represent a significant shift in the town's growth trajectory, aiming to meet the needs of its expanding population. While these projects promise new housing opportunities, they also highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing development with community concerns and environmental sustainability. As Chippenham continues to evolve, these developments will play a crucial role in shaping its future.
Chippenham, located in the south-west of England, offers a combination of urban convenience and rural appeal. Its proximity to the M4 motorway and a direct train line to London make it an attractive choice for commuters. With frequent connections to Bristol, Bath and Swindon, Chippenham provides easy access to these larger cities for work or leisure. In fact, the town is much better connected than nearby areas like Melksham and Calne, making it a prime location for those seeking accessibility.
The local housing market is varied. In the town centre, Georgian and Victorian homes offer traditional architectural details such as sash windows and high ceilings. These period properties reflect Chippenham’s rich history, while newer developments on the outskirts cater to families and first-time buyers looking for contemporary living.
Proximity to schools and transport links influences housing choices here, with neighbourhoods such as Hardenhuish and Pewsham being particularly popular among families. Chippenham also has several good primary schools, as well as secondary schools like Hardenhuish and Sheldon, which have a strong reputation locally.
Chippenham offers a range of amenities to meet everyday needs, from supermarkets (though it lacks an Asda) to independent shops and familiar retail chains. While some may comment on the abundance of charity and coffee shops, the town centre still serves as a hub with essentials for day-to-day living. Additionally, events at venues like Neeld Hall and the Cause Theatre provide a sense of community, regularly drawing locals together.
The town’s connection to nature is another key benefit. Lacock, just a five-minute drive or cycle away, is a frequent weekend destination for many residents, offering beautiful countryside, rivers and woodland paths. Chippenham itself features parks, cycle paths and a skate park, while Sundays often see families gathering at the local bandstand for live music and picnics. The town strikes a perfect balance by offering plenty of countryside exploration, without being too far from modern transport links.
For those concerned about safety, Chippenham is the safest medium-sized town in Wiltshire. While it ranks 45th out of Wiltshire’s 272 towns, villages and cities for overall crime, its crime rate is slightly higher than the Wiltshire average. Nevertheless, Chippenham ranks as the 27th safest medium-sized town in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. While this may be something to consider, it remains a relatively safe choice compared to other areas.
Chippenham’s location makes it a strategic choice for commuters. With direct train services to London Paddington and easy access to the M4 motorway, residents can commute to major cities in under an hour. Local bus services and cycling paths further enhance connectivity, with plenty of sustainable transport options for those who prefer greener alternatives.
Families moving to Chippenham will appreciate the strong selection of schools. As noted, the town has several reputable secondary schools such as Hardenhuish, Sheldon and Abbeyfield.
Beyond schooling, Chippenham provides a range of activities for children, including dance schools, gymnastics clubs and leisure centres.
When comparing Chippenham to nearby Melksham or Calne, it becomes clear why the town is favoured by many. Its schools, transport links and local amenities make it a far more practical choice for families and professionals alike. Melksham, while quieter, lacks the same level of infrastructure and schooling, making Chippenham the better option for those prioritising connectivity and education.
Ultimately, Chippenham offers a well-rounded lifestyle, combining modern amenities with easy access to nature and strong community ties. Whether you’re looking for a convenient commute, excellent schools or just a bit of countryside on your doorstep, Chippenham stands out as a strong choice for homebuyers.
Hardenhuish is a fantastic area for families. It is home to well-regarded secondary schools, such as Hardenhuish School and Sheldon School, which are known for their excellent academic performance. This neighbourhood also has plenty of parks and open spaces, perfect for children to play and families to enjoy outdoor activities. The sense of community here is strong, with local events often bringing residents together.
Pewsham is another family-friendly area, known for its welcoming atmosphere. It features several primary schools that have good reputations, making it a popular choice for parents. The neighbourhood has several parks, play areas and community facilities, allowing children and families to engage in various activities. The close-knit community spirit here makes it an appealing place to live.
Living in Chippenham town centre means you are right in the heart of everything. You’ll find a good selection of shops, cafes and restaurants within walking distance, making it easy to grab a coffee or enjoy a meal out. The town centre also has cultural venues like theatres and galleries, providing plenty of entertainment options. For those who rely on public transport, the train station is conveniently located nearby, offering direct trains to London and other major cities.
Just a short drive from Chippenham, Lacock is a beautiful village that offers a peaceful and picturesque setting, known for its historical buildings and stunning countryside, Lacock is perfect for those who enjoy nature and a slower pace of life. The village has a range of amenities, including quaint shops and cafes, making it a delightful place to call home while still being close to the conveniences of Chippenham.
The Calne Road area is an appealing choice for many due to its mix of residential housing and green spaces. This neighbourhood is well-connected to Chippenham town centre, making it easy to access shops and amenities. It is also close to several parks, offering plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities. Whether you enjoy walking, cycling or just relaxing in the fresh air, this area has a lot to offer.
Buying, renovating or selling a property can be daunting. That’s where we come in. As RICS surveyors in Chippenham, we are renowned for our friendly expertise. Let us guide you through your property project, providing peace of mind every step of the way.
