Level 3 Building Surveys for Office-to-Resi Conversions: Identifying Retrofit Defects in 2026 Market Revival
Fewer than 40% of office-to-residential conversions completed in the UK between 2020 and 2024 passed their first post-conversion building inspection without remedial works being required — a sobering figure that underscores just how technically demanding these projects are. As the 2026 market revival accelerates, driven by planning reforms, falling commercial property values, and persistent housing […]
Valuing Properties Under New Council Tax Surcharges: Surveyor Strategies for Second Homes in 2026
A confirmed government policy shift is forcing a fundamental rethink of how second homes are valued across England and Wales. From 2028, properties worth over £2 million will face a new High Value Council Tax Surcharge (HVCTS) — and the values used to determine liability are being locked in using 2026 figures [4]. That single […]
Expert Witness Preparation for 2026 Construction Defect Claims: Leveraging RICS Forward Recovery Indicators
Construction defect litigation in the UK is entering a pivotal phase. The RICS UK Construction Monitor for Q1 2026 records an overall workload net balance of -12%, yet sales sentiment has climbed to +35% and new buyer enquiries are recovering — a combination that signals rising dispute activity even as build volumes contract [1][2]. For […]
