Blogs

The RICS Home Survey Level 2 is the most popular survey among UK homebuyers — a middle-ground inspection that goes well beyond a basic condition check without the depth (or price) of a full building survey. But if you are deciding whether it is right for your purchase, you need…

Sooner or later, most property owners need a valuation that carries real weight — one that HMRC, a court, a housing association or a solicitor will actually accept. That is where the RICS valuation comes in. But what is a RICS valuation, how does it differ from an estate agent’s…

Anyone can call themselves a surveyor in the UK. The title is not protected by law, which surprises many homeowners — and explains why “is my surveyor qualified?” is such a sensible question to ask before you hand over money or rely on a report for the biggest purchase of…

Once your offer on a house is accepted, the clock starts ticking — and the survey is one of the first things standing between you and exchange. So how long do house surveys take? The honest answer is that there are three separate timescales to think about: how long the…

If you are involved in a property dispute heading towards court, a tribunal or arbitration, you will almost certainly hear the term expert witness. But what is an expert witness, exactly? This guide explains the role, what the rules in England and Wales require, what an expert witness report contains,…

It usually starts with a practical question. There is a damp patch spreading on the wall between you and next door, or your neighbour has announced plans to cut into it for a loft conversion, and suddenly you need to know: who owns a party wall? Is it yours, theirs,…

You have found the perfect plot for a rear extension, or plans for the loft are already drawn up — and then your solicitor mentions a line buried in the title register: a restrictive covenant forbidding exactly what you want to do. Perhaps it bans any building beyond the original…

Scaffolding has gone up next door, a skip has appeared, and the sound of drilling starts before you have finished your first coffee — yet you never received a letter from the council and cannot find any application online. If you are thinking “my neighbour is building without planning permission”,…

Few things are more unsettling than looking out of the kitchen window and seeing a neighbour, or their builder, standing in your garden uninvited. Perhaps they have propped a ladder against your fence, stacked scaffolding boards on your lawn, or simply announced that they will “need to come round” while…

Neighbour Started Work Without a Party Wall Agreement? Take a Breath First Few things are more unsettling than hearing drilling through your bedroom wall, or looking out to find a digger cutting a trench a metre from your foundations, when nobody has served you a party wall notice. If your…

How to Work Out the Rebuild Cost of Your Home When a buildings insurance form asks for your home’s rebuild cost – also called the reinstatement cost or reinstatement value – most people either guess, copy last year’s figure, or quietly put down what the house is worth on the…

What Is Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985? If you rent a home in England or Wales and the boiler keeps failing, damp is creeping up the walls or the roof lets in water every time it rains, the law is more on your side than you…

What Is a Construction Site Survey? A construction site survey is a detailed assessment of a plot of land or an existing structure, carried out before, during or after building work. It records the site’s boundaries, levels, physical features and constraints so that a project can be designed, priced and…

If you own a flat in London, the difference between a freehold and a leasehold interest is not academic: it directly affects what your property is worth, how easy it is to mortgage and sell, and what you might pay to extend your lease. With the Leasehold and Freehold Reform…

Imagine discovering cracks in your property's foundation after construction work next door—only to face a heated dispute about whether the damage existed before the work began. This nightmare scenario plays out daily across the UK, costing property owners thousands in legal fees and repairs. A dilapidation survey can prevent this…

When a commercial lease ends, the last thing any property owner or tenant wants is a costly dispute over who's responsible for what repairs. Yet thousands of landlords and tenants face exactly this scenario every year, often resulting in unexpected bills running into tens of thousands of pounds. Dilapidation surveys…

When a commercial lease comes to an end, thousands of pounds can hang in the balance. The difference between a fair settlement and a costly dispute often comes down to one critical document: the dilapidations survey. This comprehensive assessment determines who pays for what repairs, alterations, and reinstatements—making it one…

Buying a brand-new home feels like purchasing a car straight from the factory—pristine, untouched, and covered by warranty. But here's the uncomfortable truth that catches thousands of homebuyers off guard each year: new builds can harbor serious defects that won't be discovered until you've already moved in. The question "do…

Picture this: you've just signed a contract for a brand-new home, fresh from the builder with pristine walls and untouched floors. The property looks perfect, so why would anyone suggest you need a survey? The truth might surprise you. Even in 2026, with stricter building regulations and enhanced construction standards,…

Picture this: You're standing on a pristine dock overlooking dozens of gleaming yachts, contemplating a significant investment in marina property or berthing rights. The water sparkles invitingly, but beneath the surface—both literally and figuratively—lie complex structural, legal, and financial considerations that could make or break your investment. This is where…

When millions of UK residents depend on safe, well-maintained social housing, the role of specialist surveyors becomes not just important—it's absolutely critical. Surveyor social housing professionals stand at the intersection of public service, technical expertise, and community welfare, ensuring that some of the nation's most vulnerable residents live in properties…

When council housing tenants notice cracks in their walls or landlords plan major refurbishment projects, a critical question emerges: who ensures these properties remain safe, habitable, and compliant with regulations? The answer lies with specialized professionals who navigate the unique challenges of surveyor council housing work. These experts bridge the…

When a council tenant reports damp in their home or a local authority needs to assess thousands of properties for maintenance planning, who ensures these buildings remain safe, compliant, and fit for purpose? The answer lies with the council property surveyor—a specialized professional who plays a vital role in managing…

Imagine standing at the intersection where property development dreams meet legal compliance reality. Every new housing estate, commercial development, and infrastructure project requires a crucial professional who ensures that ambitious plans align with zoning regulations, environmental standards, and community needs. This professional is the town planning surveyor—a specialist who shapes…

When planning building work that affects a shared wall with your neighbour, the prospect of hiring multiple surveyors can seem daunting and expensive. Yet there's a practical, cost-effective solution that many property owners overlook: appointing an agreed surveyor party wall professional who can represent both parties fairly and efficiently. This…

When planning construction work that affects a shared wall with your neighbour, understanding the cost of a party wall surveyor becomes essential to your project budget. Whether you're building an extension, excavating near a boundary, or undertaking structural alterations, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 requires proper procedures—and often professional…

Imagine discovering your neighbour's renovation plans could legally affect your home's structural integrity—yet you have no say in stopping the work. This scenario plays out thousands of times each year across the UK, particularly in semi-detached properties where homes share a critical structural element: the semi detached party wall. Understanding…

Imagine receiving a letter from your neighbour informing you of their plans to build an extension right up against your shared wall. Your heart sinks as questions flood your mind: What are your rights? Can they proceed without your permission? Who pays for any damage? Welcome to the world of…

When neighbors undertake building work affecting a shared wall, choosing a party wall agreed surveyor can save time, money, and prevent disputes from escalating. This collaborative approach to managing party wall matters represents one of the most efficient ways to navigate the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, yet many property…

When purchasing a property or dealing with potential moisture issues, understanding damp and timber report cost is crucial for making informed decisions. These specialized surveys can reveal hidden problems that could cost thousands to repair, making the initial investment in a professional assessment invaluable for protecting your property investment. Key…

When moisture threatens your property's structural integrity and your family's health, understanding damp survey cost becomes crucial for making informed decisions. With UK property dampness affecting over 20% of homes and repair costs potentially reaching tens of thousands of pounds, a professional damp assessment could save you from financial disaster.…

When purchasing a property in 2025, one of the most crucial decisions you'll face is choosing the right type of survey. The difference between level 2 and level 3 survey options can significantly impact your understanding of a property's condition and your future financial commitments. Making the wrong choice could…

When purchasing a property or dealing with moisture concerns, understanding damp and timber report cost can save thousands in unexpected repairs and provide crucial peace of mind. These specialized surveys have become increasingly essential as UK property buyers face rising concerns about hidden structural issues that could devastate both finances…

In today's fast-paced property market, waiting weeks for a traditional valuation can mean missing out on crucial opportunities. Desktop house valuation has revolutionized how properties are assessed, offering speed and efficiency without compromising accuracy. This comprehensive assessment method uses advanced technology and data analytics to provide reliable property valuations remotely,…

Are you looking for a good dilapidations survey in London? Speak to the Chartered Surveyor Notting Hill Team to find out more! Whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, knowing your commercial property’s condition is important and a professional dilapidations survey protects your interests, ensuring fair assessments at lease end.…

Homebuyers in Notting Hill often ask about the difference between level 2 and level 3 surveys. Both are non-intrusive checks, approved by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), but they meet different needs for property assessments. A Level 2 HomeBuyer Report is ideal for newer, standard buildings. On the…

A condition survey report is an important tool for property owners and investors, as it gives a detailed look at a property’s condition. With a Construction Surveyor, you can make smart choices about your property with a report which checks the structure, electrical systems, roof, and more, giving you a…

A party wall contract is a legal agreement between people who share a wall or boundary and it outlines how to maintain, repair, and modify the party wall or party fence wall. Having such an agreement can settle disputes and limit any further conflict. In England and Wales, the Party…

Dealing with an absent freeholder can be frustrating for leaseholders because they may need to contend with matters such as lease extensions, buying the freehold, and maintenance of common parts. About 30% of leaseholders deal with this issue, reports say. It also makes selling properties troublesome, considering 20% of mortgage…

Getting a party wall act notice or party wall notification can feel overwhelming if you don’t know what to do. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 helps building owners work on their projects without harming others and the respective notice tells owners next door about plans that might impact their…

Building a wall between neighbours has its rules and regulations. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is key in this process and it’s important to know the UK government’s guidelines on wall height. Talking to your neighbours about the wall’s height and design is essential to ensure everyone knows what is…