From 1950s semis in Bush Fair to new builds in Gilden Park, buying in Harlow involves a wide range of property types. A survey can help you understand what you're taking on before you commit.
At Camsure Home Surveys, we deliver RICS-approved inspections and reports throughout Harlow, Church Langley, Old Harlow and nearby areas including Sawbridgeworth and Epping. Our surveyors are fully qualified, local and ready to offer practical, unbiased advice.
We provide Level 2 HomeBuyer Reports, Level 3 Building Surveys and RICS Valuations tailored to suit the age, type and condition of the property you're buying.
When you work with Camsure, you deal directly with your surveyor – no sales teams, no delays. We support buyers at all stages, from first-time homeowners to those investing in a second property, with detailed reports that cut through the jargon.
Our clients rate us 4.9 stars on Trustpilot, recognising our consistent approach and focus on facts over fluff.
We’re also trusted for Insurance Reinstatement Valuations and Housing Disrepair Reports, providing detailed assessments where independent evidence is needed.
Having a survey is about more than just ticking a box. When you work with a RICS-registered surveyor, you’re getting a service that follows strict professional guidance, is regularly audited and holds accountability through the RICS code of conduct.
In Harlow, housing varies from older council-built homes to modern developments on the town’s edge. Each comes with its own potential issues. A RICS surveyor who understands the area can identify problems that less experienced assessors might miss.
Our Harlow surveyor at Camsure doesn’t just inspect – they apply detailed local knowledge to each property, helping you understand what matters and what doesn’t. We provide relevant advice based on the realities of buying in Harlow.
You’ll receive a straightforward explanation of any findings, including what action might be needed or what future costs to anticipate. We aim to provide clear, honest advice so you can move ahead with greater confidence – or pause if needed.
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.
For Harlow properties, home survey costs usually range between £420 and £1,550. The price depends on the survey type, property size and any complexities that need closer inspection. It’s a small investment compared to the potential cost of missing serious problems.
What affects the cost?
Size and Layout: More space means a more detailed inspection and longer report.
Condition: Older council-built homes or properties with past alterations may require a more thorough survey.
Type of Survey: A Level 2 Report may be suitable for well-maintained flats. A Level 3 Building Survey is usually better for older or heavily modified properties.
We provide clear, fixed quotes based on your Harlow property – no inflated estimates or vague pricing. Request a quote today and we’ll advise on the best option for your needs.
Need more detail?
Read our survey comparison guides to help you decide what’s right for your next home.
Irek qualified as a residential surveyor in 2019 after completing his SAVA course, following several years working as an energy surveyor.
Organised and self-driven, he brings strong knowledge of the built environment to his role.
Outside surveying, Irek enjoys music, travel, film, cooking and spending time with his family.
"I am dedicated to providing clients with clear and concise pre-purchase surveys, to help them make the most informed buying decision possible. I believe that my job doesn't end with delivering the report - I am always happy to answer questions or give advice."
Irek Zwierzchowski, Residential Surveyor, Camsure Home Surveys, 2025
Bradly combines surveying knowledge with a strong background in client-facing roles. His earlier career in car sales gave him valuable experience in customer service, negotiation and communication, which he now applies to his surveying work.
Bradly takes pride in offering clear guidance and building lasting professional relationships.
"I believe the value I bring to my clients lies in a combination of technical knowledge and a personable, client-focused approach. Through my experience in property surveying, I’m able to offer clear, reliable insight into the condition and construction of buildings, helping clients make informed decisions. Beyond the technical side, I pride myself on being approachable and easy to work with. I take the time to understand my clients’ needs, explain findings in a straightforward way, and build strong, trusting relationships. This balance of professional expertise and genuine communication ensures my clients feel supported and confident throughout the process."
Bradly Wells, Surveyor, Camsure Home Surveys, 2025
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.
This 4-bedroom semi-detached property in Harlow, Essex, was recently inspected as part of a RICS Homebuyer Survey. The client wanted a clearer understanding of the property’s condition before deciding whether to go ahead with the purchase.
The survey findings were recorded in a Homebuyer Report, which included advice on repairs and maintenance. This gave the buyer a more complete picture of the property beyond what was visible during their initial viewing.
When compared with the price of a property, many buyers feel the cost of the report is justified. A Homebuyer Survey can help you:
The report may also provide the evidence needed to renegotiate the price, or in some cases, reconsider the purchase altogether. It’s a step that helps buyers move forward with clarity and confidence.
Camsure is proud to be your friendly, local surveying team in Harlow. We're a family-run, award-winning business and our RICS-qualified surveyor is familiar with the town’s varied property landscape.
Our experienced surveyor offers a wide range of survey options, designed to suit your specific needs and property type. Explore our detailed descriptions to find the right survey for your next step.
Our RICS-certified surveyor in Harlow offers comprehensive Homebuyer Survey Reports for post-1930 houses in good condition throughout the Harlow area.
What sets us apart?
Our user-friendly "traffic light" report details the property's condition, including any urgent issues or defects that could devalue it. Our surveyors also uncover legal concerns and provide long-term maintenance advice.
Need a valuation?
For a small added cost, we also provide a detailed market valuation service. We go the extra mile by checking environmental factors like flood risks and potential impacts from nearby infrastructure projects.
Our extensive Building Survey (formerly known as a Full Structural Survey) is meticulously designed for properties in Harlow built before 1930.
Going beyond the scope of a Homebuyer Report, this examination provides a deeper understanding of the property's condition and offers essential advice.
For just a slightly higher fee, consider including a property value assessment. This comes with bespoke recommendations for resolving any issues, performing repairs or addressing any ongoing maintenance needs.
This in-depth report ensures you have all the information you need to make sound judgements about the property's state and its future care requirements.
Our objective is to establish the accurate market value of your Harlow property through a thorough, impartial valuation report. This process may uncover areas that warrant additional investigation.
For Help to Buy applicants, our specially qualified RICS registered surveyor will determine your home's value, an essential factor in calculating your financial commitment.
Please be aware that this valuation is valid for three months.
Very good price. Highly recommended.
Prompt survey. Survey was thorough and carried out really fast from when contacting the company. Really detailed report also received promptly. Very good price. Highly recommended.
It depends on the complexity of your property.
Usually, an RICS inspection takes between 2 hours and a full day.
For very large or complex properties, it may take longer to complete the inspection and prepare the report.
Ask your surveyor when they plan to visit and when you can expect to receive the report.
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.
The property market in Harlow is showing a mixed picture as of spring 2025. While some areas have experienced a slight dip in sold prices compared to the previous year, overall buyer interest remains steady across much of the town. There are noticeable differences in activity between postcode sectors and selling times have seen a modest improvement in recent months.
Sales performance varies across the town:
While pricing has adjusted slightly in parts of Harlow, buyers should still approach purchases with care. A Homebuyer Survey is recommended for all property types to check for condition issues such as historic alterations, roofing problems, or signs of damp, which are commonly found in 1950s and 1960s-built homes in the town.
Local market knowledge remains important. Sellers are encouraged to price realistically, while buyers should be ready to act when well-maintained homes come to market, particularly in high-demand locations near schools and transport links.
| Property Type | Average Price (£) | Percentage of Sales |
|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached Properties | £401,058 | |
| Terraced Properties | £329,227 | Most sales |
| Flats | £204,872 |
Source: RightMove May 2025
Harlow is experiencing significant growth with several new housing developments underway, offering a range of options for prospective home buyers. Below are some of the key projects shaping the future of Harlow's residential landscape:
These developments reflect Harlow's commitment to providing diverse and sustainable housing options to meet the needs of its growing population. Prospective buyers are encouraged to explore these projects to find a home that suits their lifestyle and preferences.
Harlow in Essex offers a blend of post-war new town planning and newer developments, making it a popular choice for commuters and families alike. Its position on the London commuter belt, combined with green spaces and growing infrastructure, means Harlow continues to attract a wide range of homebuyers.
Properties in Harlow range from 1950s and 1960s ex-local authority homes to modern estates and flats. The town was one of the UK’s original New Towns and this is reflected in its layout and property types.
One of Harlow’s key heritage sites is the Mark Hall Manor House. Its Tudor architecture and Grade I-listed status reflect the area's long history and its presence can affect planning restrictions in the immediate vicinity. Renovations and extensions to listed buildings or homes within designated zones typically require consent from the local authority.
Many older homes in Harlow are built with London stock brick or concrete block. These materials can be prone to staining and require maintenance such as repointing or sealing to manage damp ingress, especially on exposed elevations.
Harlow benefits from a wide range of local amenities. Passmores Academy and Burnt Mill Academy are well-known secondary schools and Princess Alexandra Hospital serves the local area. For shopping and leisure, The Water Gardens and Harvey Centre provide high street and essential retail options.
Harlow Town Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country and includes a petting zoo, adventure playground and landscaped gardens. The Gibberd Garden, created by the town’s master planner Sir Frederick Gibberd, is another notable green space with architectural interest.
Harlow has some areas near watercourses such as the River Stort which are considered to have a higher flood risk. Buyers should check flood maps and ensure proper drainage systems are in place, especially for homes backing onto streams or natural water features.
Radon levels in Harlow are generally low, but older homes with basements may still benefit from testing as part of a detailed building survey.
Traffic congestion is most common on the A414, A1184 and around the town centre during peak hours. Planned roadworks and ongoing residential developments occasionally add to travel delays. However, the town remains well-connected.
Harlow Town and Harlow Mill railway stations provide direct train services to London Liverpool Street, Cambridge and Stansted Airport, making it ideal for commuters.
There are several conservation areas in Harlow, including the Old Harlow district, which features listed buildings and period cottages. Planning restrictions in these areas protect the town's historical character and influence renovation decisions.
Future development in Gilston and around the Harlow & Gilston Garden Town project may improve housing supply and transport but could increase traffic during construction phases.
Like many towns of its size, Harlow sees some variation in crime levels across neighbourhoods. Central areas such as the Town Centre and Little Parndon have slightly higher reported levels of antisocial behaviour and theft compared to the quieter residential zones like Church Langley and Newhall.
Harlow’s housing stock is varied in age and construction method, so commissioning the right survey is essential. A Level 2 Homebuyer Survey is suitable for most homes, though older properties or those with flat roofs may require a more detailed Building Survey.
Infill developments and council-built homes may reveal previous alterations or non-standard materials, which should be checked during a survey to ensure compliance and safety.
Harlow homes are commonly constructed with London stock brick, concrete block and in some cases timber frame. Brickwork often requires regular maintenance in older properties, especially where mortar is deteriorating. Flat roofing materials used in earlier estates can be prone to leaks and may require upgrades.
Compared to nearby Epping or Bishop’s Stortford, Harlow generally offers better value for money and stronger transport links to London. While Epping may be more picturesque, Harlow provides greater choice in modern housing and is better suited to commuters seeking practicality and space.
Harlow offers a mix of older estates, regenerated zones and modern housing developments, providing options for a wide range of buyers. These areas are some of the most popular among those relocating to or within the town:
These areas highlight the variety within Harlow’s property market, from character-filled historic zones to modern, well-connected housing estates. A Homebuyer Survey can help identify key maintenance issues and give added confidence to those considering a purchase in any part of the town.
We're surveyors in Harlow and we understand the complexities of buying, selling or renovating a property, regardless of its size. That's why we're here to help!
We'll be your trusted guide, working closely with you every step of the way.
