What matters in property

Down Valuations – Do They Really Exist?

A ‘down valuation’ is the result of a valuation report stating that the property has been valued at less than the seller’s asking price. This term is not one that we, and many others in the industry, like to use – what is referred to as a ‘down valuation’ is, in reality, the difference between...

COVID-19 (Corona Virus)

Respecting Your Health and the Health of Others Our work revolves around inspecting homes. Inevitably, we encounter home owners, their family and friends and other members of the public on a daily basis. We are mindful of concerns regarding Covid-19 and would like to reassure you that we are committed to the health and safety...

What Type of Survey do I Need?

The type of house survey you will need largely depends on the age and condition of the property you are buying or selling. Choosing the right survey will help highlight any serious problems and advise you of the specific risks before you commit to the process of buying or selling a house. Continue reading to...

Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)

Benefits of a New Build Snagging Survey

When purchasing a new build home you understandably expect everything to be perfect. However, according to the New Home Customer Satisfaction survey, 94% of people buying a new build in 2021 had to report snags or defects to their builder. A snagging survey is designed to highlight any problems, from cosmetic to structural, so the...

Independent Damp and Timber Surveys

Why pay for an independent survey? “I’ve had quotes for hundreds here and thousands there, who do I trust?” “Do I really need a damp course installed?”  Just a couple of the questions we get asked daily.  Well, here’s why you should pay for an independent survey.  We have no affiliation with suppliers selling chemicals,...

Mould and your home

The tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, ruled by Rochale Coroner’s Court to be due to prolonged exposure to black mould in his home, has highlighted a problem that until now, largely gone under the radar.  Mould is a form of fungus and there are many types. Mould spores are everywhere at all times and...

Selling your leasehold property with a short lease

I want to sell my leasehold property but I only have a short lease, what are my options? If you are in the position that you own a leasehold property (usually a flat / apartment or maisonette) and only have a short lease remaining your property is likely to be un-mortgageable and you will have...

Repaying your help to buy loan on a flat with cladding

The help to buy scheme benefited thousands of homeowners with somewhere in the region of 375,000 help to buy loans issued over the course of the scheme.  However there have been significant issues if you are one of the thousands of homeowners that bought a flat under the help to buy scheme that has subsequently...

The Leasehold & Freehold Reform Act 2024

The Leasehold & Freehold Reform Act 2024 Update – December 2025Current Position & Ongoing Developments Since the Leasehold & Freehold Reform Act 2024 received Royal Assent, there has been little substantive progress in terms of implementation. The Act remains largely uncommenced, with the majority of its valuation-related provisions still dependent on secondary legislation, including the...

Government Announces £250 Ground Rent Cap: Key Information for Leaseholders, Freeholders and Investors

On 27 January 2026, the Government announced its intention to introduce a statutory £250 per year cap on ground rents for all existing residential long leases, with a further reduction to a peppercorn after 40 years. This forms part of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill, now entering pre-legislative scrutiny. This announcement marks a...

Government reforms to make it easier and cheaper for leaseholders to buy their homes

Introduction On 7 January 2021 the Government announced major reforms to the leasehold enfranchisement system with the headline “Government reforms make it easier and cheaper for leaseholders to buy their homes – Millions of leaseholders will be given a new right to extend their lease by 990 years”. What does it mean? The Government are...

How Is Property Valued for Divorce Settlements?

When couples divorce or separate, property is often the most valuable and emotionally charged asset to be divided. As valuers, we are frequently instructed to provide an independent and impartial opinion of value to assist solicitors, mediators, and ultimately the court in reaching a fair financial settlement. Why Property Valuation Matters in Divorce In divorce...