Residential property

A residential property is any building used primarily as a home, including detached, semi-detached and terraced houses, flats, maisonettes and converted properties. In Greater London, residential drainage systems vary considerably by era, with Victorian terraces commonly served by combined drains and modern developments using separate foul and surface water arrangements under Building Regulations Part H. Most residential drains within the property boundary remain the homeowner's responsibility, while lateral drains and shared sewers became public sewers under the 2011 transfer regulations and are maintained by Thames Water. Common drainage issues for residential properties include kitchen blockages from fats and food waste, root ingress from nearby trees, and surface water flooding in heavy storms. A CCTV survey is often advisable before purchase to document the condition of underground pipework.