Chartered surveyors in Wigan

6 RICS surveyors covering 3 postcode districts around Wigan, in the North West. RICS Home Survey Level 2 and Level 3, and RICS Residential Valuation.

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What lies beneath a Wigan house concerns us almost as much as what stands above it: this is deep Lancashire Coalfield territory, so a mining report is a routine recommendation here rather than a rarity. The stock above ground leans later than the town's image might suggest, with homes from 1965 to 1982 the largest single group, which brings flat-roofed additions, single-skin garage walls and materials of the asbestos era into scope. Older terraces survive in numbers too, and they tend to reward a close look at ground levels, pointing and the state of the original roof.

Local conditions

What we check in Wigan.

Drawn from official open data for this area, not written from a template. It tells you what a survey here has to account for. It is not a substitute for the formal searches, and we say where those live.

River Douglas and River Irwell: Flood risk is one of the first things we check, because it affects insurance, lending and what we look at underfoot. The River Douglas, River Irwell, Glaze Brook, River Sankey are all within reach of Wigan.Check this property on the official service
Historic coal mining area: Wigan sits within the Lancashire Coalfield. Past workings can mean shallow mine entries and settlement, so where the geology warrants it we will tell you to get a Coal Authority mining report before you exchange.Check if a property is affected by coal mining
1965–1982 leads locally: Across the 42 homes we have surveyed in and around Wigan, 26% were 1965–1982. Era decides what we look hardest at — damp-proof courses, wall ties, or first-generation cavity insulation.What a survey covers
Local authority: Building control records, conservation area status and planning history for Wigan sit with the council here. Where alterations look unauthorised we will say so, and tell you what to ask your solicitor to confirm.

Sources: Environment Agency flood areas and ONS boundary data, both Open Government Licence; coalfield extents from published Coal Authority and BGS mapping. Coalfield boundaries are indicative. A mining report is the authoritative answer for any individual property.

The housing stock in Wigan.

20.2%

of homes within 2.4km of the centre were built in 1965–1982. Age is the strongest single predictor of what a survey finds, so it is where we start before we have seen the property.

Homes in Wigan by construction era, compared with England and Wales
Built	Share	Compared with England & Wales	Homes
Pre-1900	17%	+1.5 pts	7,090
1900–1929	10.2%	about average	4,250
1930s	12.4%	+2.5 pts	5,180
1945–1964	15.5%	about average	6,470
1965–1982	20.2%	+1.9 pts	8,440
1983–1999	11.1%	about average	4,650
2000 onwards	13.5%	-4.6 pts	5,640

41,720 homes across 54 statistical areas within 2.4km of the centre. The marker on each bar is the England and Wales share. Source: Valuation Office Agency, Council Tax stock of properties, © Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.

What that means on an inspection

1965–1982

Cavity walls with insulation increasingly built in, flat-roofed elements such as garages, dormers and rear additions, and a broader range of manufactured materials.

What we usually find. Flat roofs of this era are frequently on their second or third covering and are a common source of water ingress. Textured coatings applied before the mid-1980s may contain asbestos, as may some cement products, soffits and floor tiles.

Worth knowing. Asbestos-containing materials are usually safe if undisturbed and in good order, but they matter a great deal if you intend to remove ceilings, take down a garage or open up the layout.

Pre-1900

Normally solid walls of brick or stone with no cavity, lime mortar, timber suspended floors and lath-and-plaster internally. Any damp-proof course is either slate or absent altogether.

What we usually find. Damp at low level is the most frequent finding, usually where a slate damp-proof course has been bridged by raised ground or by later solid floors and cement render. Chimney stacks, roof coverings and rainwater goods are often at or beyond the end of their serviceable lives, and earlier repointing in cement rather than lime can trap moisture and spall the brick face.

Worth knowing. Solid walls cannot be treated like cavity walls. Injected chemical courses and internal tanking frequently move the problem rather than resolve it, so the cause matters more than the last remedy applied.

These are tendencies of the local stock, not findings on any particular house. A well-maintained Victorian terrace can be in better order than a neglected 1990s semi, which is the entire reason a survey is done on the building in front of you rather than on its postcode.

Our own record here

What we have surveyed in Wigan.

Aggregate figures only, with no property identifiable.

43reports issued in Wigan since 2023, including 28 surveys and 10 valuations. Every one inspected by an RICS surveyor who works this area.

The ages we have been inside

1965–198226%

2000 onwards24%

Pre-190017%

1983–199917%

1900–192912%

1930s and 40s5%

What they are

Semi-detached house36%

Detached house33%

End-terraced house21%

Semi-detached bungalow5%

Across the 42 homes behind those reports.

Most often 1965–1982. Flat roofs of this era are frequently on their second or third covering and are a common source of water ingress. Textured coatings applied before the mid-1980s may contain asbestos, as may some cement products, soffits and floor tiles. Your report is written around what your property actually is.

Counted from our own job records, issued reports only. Aggregate figures: no address, client or property detail is published, here or anywhere on this site.

Areas we cover

Across Wigan and around it.

Ashton-in-Makerfield
Leigh
Atherton
Hindley
Standish
Orrell
Tyldesley
Shevington
Abram
Ince-in-Makerfield
Golborne
Winstanley

Buying here

What to check before you buy in Wigan.

Wigan’s housing stock is mixed, and knowing the typical issues can help avoid unexpected costs.

Common Issues — • Deteriorating concrete in some older builds. • Asbestos in many pre-1980s homes. • Localised drainage problems leading to damp. • Older, inefficient heating systems.

Mitigating Factors — • RICS surveys highlight defects early. • Occasional council support for essential repairs. • Routine maintenance prevents bigger issues.

By Property Type — • Terraces: check shared drainage and party walls. • Conversions: characterful but prone to damp and low light. • Modern builds: usually sound but still check for defects.

Concise awareness of these points helps buyers and investors make informed decisions in Wigan.

Wigan remains one of Greater Manchester’s most affordable and stable markets, with steady price and rental growth driven by consistent demand.

Areas with Growing Interest — • Standish – family appeal and strong schools. • Ashton-in-Makerfield – good value and amenities. • Winstanley – spacious homes and a quieter feel.

What’s Driving Demand — • Reliable links to Manchester and the wider region. • Well-regarded schools attracting families. • Lower prices supporting strong rental demand.

Investment Outlook — • Rising rents and accessible entry prices keep investors interested. • Wigan Pier regeneration offers longer-term growth potential.

Wigan offers a strong mix of shops, leisure spaces and community facilities, making it appealing to a wide range of residents.

Shopping and Retail — • Grand Arcade for major high-street stores. • Wigan Market for fresh produce and local goods.

Health and Fitness — • Wigan Life Centre with gym, pool and classes. • Haigh Woodland Park for walking, cycling and outdoor activities.

Dining and Leisure — • The Old Courts for live music and arts. • Wigan Little Theatre for local productions.

Family Amenities — • Mesnes Park with play areas and café. • Wigan Roller Rink for indoor family fun.

Public Services — • Wigan Infirmary offering key healthcare services. • Wigan Library as a hub for books, events and community activities.

These amenities contribute to Wigan’s strong appeal for both homebuyers and investors.

Wigan benefits from strong transport links, making it an attractive base for commuters and frequent travellers.

Public Transport — • Extensive bus network connecting Wigan with Greater Manchester. • Wigan North Western and Wigan Wallgate stations offer direct trains to Manchester, Liverpool and London.

Motorway Access — • Close to the M6 and M58 for quick regional travel. • A577 and A49 provide convenient local routes.

Cycling and Walking — • Leeds–Liverpool Canal offers scenic cycling and walking paths. • Haigh Woodland Park provides well-used trails for local journeys.

Nearby Airports — • Manchester Airport is around 30 minutes away, ideal for domestic and international travel.

Wigan’s strong transport network adds convenience and boosts its appeal for both homebuyers and investors.

Available in Wigan

Which survey do you need?

RICS Level 2

RICS Home Survey — Level 2

A conventional house or flat, built this century or last, in reasonable order

In detail →

RICS Level 3

RICS Home Survey — Level 3

Older, larger, altered or extended, or anything already showing signs of movement or damp

In detail →

Red Book

RICS Residential Valuation

You need a figure rather than a condition report, for probate, Help to Buy or shared ownership

In detail →

Your fixed price is confirmed in writing before you instruct us, and it does not change afterwards.

Nearby

We also cover.

Hindley7 surveyors Leigh7 surveyors Ashton-in-Makerfield6 surveyors Skelmersdale5 surveyors

Buying in Wigan?

Tell us the property and we will send a fixed price in writing. No call centre, no pressure.

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