Older, solid-walled homes
With 19% of local homes built before the First World War, expect stone or solid brick walls, lath-and-plaster ceilings and roof timbers that have been patched more than once.
Source: VOA, Mar 2025
Surveyors · Exeter, Devon
Surveyors in Exeter
Buying in Exeter? Here's what the public data says about its homes, and which RICS survey suits them.
Our suggestion for Exeter
Level 2 Home Survey (Level 3 for older or altered homes)
Much of Exeter was built after 1919, so a Level 2 Home Survey suits most buyers. Go for a Level 3 instead if you're buying something pre-1919, listed, or in need of work.
- Pre-1919 share of local housing: 19% (VOA).
- 758 listed buildings in and around Exeter, 90 of them Grade I or II*.
Exeter market snapshot
In 2025, 1605 homes sold in Exeter at a median price of £295,000, up 1% on 2024's £292,500.
- Median price, 2025
- £295,000
- Sales, 2025
- 1605
- Median vs 2024
- +0.9%
- Leasehold share
- 19%
- Residents, Census 2021
- 126,181
| Type | Median |
|---|---|
| detached | £435,000 |
| semi-detached | £325,000 |
| terraced | £278,000 |
| flat/maisonette | £180,000 |
Sales mix: terraced 40%, semi-detached 24%, detached 19%, flat/maisonette 17%. EX2, EX4, EX1. HM Land Registry, 2025, ONS built-up area. Residents: Exeter built-up area, ONS Census 2021.
What to look out for when buying in Exeter
Listed buildings
Historic England lists 758 buildings in and around Exeter, including 10, Cathedral Close (Grade I); 5, Cathedral Close (Grade I); 8,9 And 9A, Cathedral Close (Grade I). On a listed home, like-for-like repairs with traditional materials are the rule; your surveyor should flag anything that looks unconsented.
List entries: 10, Cathedral Close · 5, Cathedral Close · 8,9 And 9A, Cathedral Close
Source: Historic England
Conservation areas
Conservation areas here: Alphin Brook, Alphington, Belmont, Central, Cowick Street and others. If you plan changes, check with the council first: conservation area rules limit what you can do without permission.
Source: planning.data.gov.uk
Flood risk (rivers and sea)
9 of the 100 postcodes we checked (postcodes where homes sold in 2025) have their centre in Environment Agency Flood Zone 2 or 3, and 9 in Zone 3. Look up the exact property, not just the postcode, and get an insurance quote early.
Source: Environment Agency
Radon
The 1 km radon map square at the centre of Exeter is class 4: an estimated 5 to 10% of homes are above the radon Action Level. 70% of the sold postcodes we checked fall in a radon Affected Area. Radon is a known issue in much of the South West; ask whether the home has been tested or has protection.
Source: UKHSA/BGS
Ground and building stone
Under most of Exeter the bedrock is interbedded sandstone and conglomerate (68%) and mudstone, siltstone and sandstone (31%). Cob (earth walling) is a traditional Devon material; it needs to breathe and stay dry, so cement render, blocked gutters and raised paths are red flags.
Source: BGS 625k
Ground stability
The BGS GeoSure 5 km hexagon covering Exeter shows moderate slope instability (landslides) potential. That's a broad screen, not a site assessment; look for cracking, sticking doors and leaning walls.
Source: BGS GeoSure
Leasehold flats
Leasehold made up 19% of Exeter sales in 2025. Ask about years left on the lease, service charges and the sinking fund.
Source: HM Land Registry
When Exeter's homes were built
Exeter LSOAs with 2025 sales. VOA, Mar 2025.
Selling in Exeter?
Selling a home in Exeter? Last year's medians ran: detached £435,000, semi-detached £325,000, terraced £278,000, flat/maisonette £180,000. A free, in-person appraisal tells you where yours sits.
Need an EPC in Exeter? EPCs in Exeter. Request a quote for your sale or let.
Exeter survey questions
How much do houses cost in Exeter?
Based on HM Land Registry Price Paid Data, 1605 homes sold in Exeter in 2025 with a median price of £295,000 (up 1% on 2024's £292,500). The most common type sold was terraced (40% of sales).
Which survey do I need for a house in Exeter?
We carry out RICS Level 2 and Level 3 surveys. A Level 2 Home Survey suits most modern homes here; older or altered houses need a Level 3. Pre-1919 share of local housing: 19% (VOA). 758 listed buildings in and around Exeter, 90 of them Grade I or II*. If in doubt, the chooser on our survey page takes a minute.
Is Exeter in a radon Affected Area?
Yes, mostly: 70% of the 1124 sold postcodes we checked are in an Affected Area, and the central 1 km square is class 4 (5 to 10% of homes above the Action Level).
Does Exeter flood?
Of 100 postcodes in Exeter with 2025 sales, 9 have their centre in Flood Zone 2 or 3 (rivers and sea) and 9 in Zone 3. Surface water isn't included.
How many listed buildings are there in Exeter?
Historic England's list shows 758 listed buildings in and around Exeter: 22 Grade I, 68 Grade II* and 668 Grade II.
How do I get a survey quote in Exeter?
Use the online quote on Survey Booker: enter the Exeter address and pick Level 2 or Level 3.