Our Property Articles
Schedule of Condition: The Insurance Policy for Your Commercial Lease
In the 2026 commercial property market, the most effective way to avoid a dilapidations dispute is to prevent it before the lease begins. A Photographic Schedule of Condition (SoC) is one of the most important protections a commercial tenant can have. It records the...
RICS Home Surveys for Flats
Receiving a 50 page RICS report can be overwhelming. However, this document is your most powerful asset in a property transaction. If used correctly, it can save you thousands of pounds or, more importantly, save you from a catastrophic investment. The Leasehold...
Hidden Structural Risks in Homes
A property can look Instagram ready while harbouring defects that could cost tens of thousands of pounds to rectify. In a market where renovation costs have surged, a RICS survey is no longer just a recommendation. It is your financial shield. At Stokemont, we...
Property Buyer Mistakes That Cost Thousands
The UK property market is currently in a state of flux. With high interest rates and fluctuating material costs in 2026, the margin for error when buying a home is zero. Yet, many buyers still rely on outdated myths. At Stokemont, our RICS chartered surveyors see...
Choosing the RICS Home Survey in 2026
Buying a home is likely the largest financial commitment you will ever make. Yet, thousands of buyers still rely solely on a Mortgage Valuation, mistakenly believing it protects them. It does not. A valuation is for the lender’s peace of mind; a RICS Home Survey is...
Support Your Local Pub
The UK pub sector is facing a serious and on-going crisis with an average of six pubs closing each week over 2024. This hasn’t improved in 2025, so far close to 300 establishments in England and Wales have shut their doors permanently. While this hits the already...
Don’t Get Gazumped!
If you are a property purchaser, you will be all too familiar with the horror stories around being gazumped. We thought it would be helpful to take a closer look at this issue to help you avoid becoming one of the unlucky few who find themselves in this costly and...
A First-Time Buyer’s Guide to Purchasing a Home
Buying your first home is an exciting and significant milestone, however, it can also be an overwhelming step with multiple different legal requirements and various professional input required. We’ve put forward a straightforward guide to ensure that you’re fully...
A Solicitor’s Role in a Home Purchase
Buying any home is a major legal and financial step. In order to ensure all the necessary legals are handled correctly, you’re going to need an experienced solicitor or conveyancer on board. Your solicitor is going to ensure the legal contract is sound. They will...
Notice of Adjacent Excavation
Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, excavation (digging) work within six metres of any neighbouring buildings or structures gives rise to the need for a Party Wall Notice. You will often hear party wall surveyors refer to the works that fall within the scope of the...
What Makes a Great Party Wall Surveyor?
Having undertaken party wall surveying work for well over 15 years, we thought we would share our thoughts on what makes a great party wall surveyor. A great party wall surveyor brings much more to the table than just an understanding of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996....
What Is a Party Fence Wall?
A party fence wall is defined by Section 20 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, which deals with interpretation, as follows: “Party fence wall” means a wall (not being part of a building) which stands on land belonging to different owners and is used or constructed to be...