Our Property Articles
The Difference Between an Agreed Surveyor and Two Surveyors in Party Wall Matters
One of the biggest decisions when planning Party Wall works is whether the building owner and adjoining owner appoint a single agreed surveyor, or each appoint their own surveyor under a two-surveyor appointment. While both arrangements are designed to ensure the...
Do I Need a Commercial Building Survey Before Buying?
Buying a commercial property is a substantial financial commitment, and the condition of the building can have a significant effect on its future costs and suitability. A commercial building survey provides an independent assessment before you become legally committed...
Schedule of Dilapidations Information
A Schedule of Dilapidations is a document identifying alleged breaches of a tenant's obligations under a commercial lease. It is commonly prepared towards the end of a tenancy and can identify repairs, redecoration, reinstatement or other works that the landlord...
Terminal Schedule of Dilapidations Guidance
A terminal schedule of dilapidations is prepared towards the end of a commercial lease to identify breaches of the tenant's repairing, reinstatement and other relevant lease obligations. It is commonly prepared by a building surveyor acting for the landlord. What does...
Pre Purchase Commercial Building Surveys Explained
A Pre-Purchase Commercial Building Survey is an independent assessment of a commercial property's physical condition before a purchaser completes the transaction. It is intended to help the purchaser understand the building they are acquiring and identify potential...
Defect Analysis Report Guidance
A Defect Analysis Report is a focused investigation into a particular problem affecting a property. Unlike a general building survey, the purpose is usually to establish what a defect is, what may have caused it and whether further investigation or specialist advice...
When Should You Get a Defect Analysis Report?
Not every crack, damp patch or building defect requires a specialist survey. However, there are circumstances where a more focused investigation is appropriate. A Defect Analysis Report can be particularly useful when a defect is persistent, unexplained or potentially...
Can Building Work Start Before a Party Wall Award?
A Party Wall Award is often required where an adjoining owner has dissented to a Party Wall Notice and surveyors have therefore been appointed. A common question is whether the building owner can begin the works while the surveyors are still discussing the Award. What...
Does a Rear Extension Need a Party Wall Notice?
Planning a rear extension often involves work close to, or directly against, a neighbouring property. Depending on the construction proposed, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may apply. When might a Party Wall Notice be required? A rear extension may involve one or more...
Should You Buy a Property With Structural Movement?
Finding evidence of cracking or movement during a property survey does not automatically mean that the property should be rejected. The important question is what is causing the movement, whether it is ongoing and what further investigation or remedial work may be...
When Do I Need an Expert Witness Surveyor?
Property disputes sometimes involve technical questions that cannot be resolved simply through correspondence between the parties. An Expert Witness Surveyor can provide independent professional opinion on matters falling within their area of expertise. What can a...
Why Is My Mortgage Valuation Different From a RICS Valuation?
It is not unusual for a mortgage valuation and an independent RICS valuation to produce different figures. This does not necessarily mean that one valuation is incorrect. The two valuations may have different purposes, scopes and assumptions. What is a mortgage...