Blog | Peter Barry Estate Agents

Leaseholders and The Party Wall Act

Wednesday, 21st July 2010

Categories: Surveying
Complying with the Party Wall Act can get really expensive if the adjoining properties are converted flats

Justin Burns

When is an Interim Injunction Justified to Stop Work to a Party Wall?

Thursday, 15th July 2010

Categories: Surveying
It’s always difficult to advise people who call us up when a neighbour has started work which comes within the scope of the Party Wall Act but have not served the required notice.

Justin Burns

Tenants and their Pets

Saturday, 10th July 2010

Categories: Lettings Property Management
Britain may be a nation of animal lovers but pet owners often struggle to find accommodation where the landlord is willing to accept any pets. Many landlords will not accept pets fearing they will damage furniture, fixtures and leave flea infestations when they depart.

Rushbrook & Rathbone

Flat Roof Coverings - Top 5 Defects

Friday, 2nd July 2010

Categories: Surveying
Poor workmanship - Installing flat roof coverings, be they felt, asphalt or sheet metal is a specialised job. Many of the problems associated with felt coverings to flat roofs stem from poor workmanship. DIY felt jobs are the biggest culprit and are simply storing up problems for the future.

Justin Burns

The risks of renting to students

Tuesday, 15th June 2010

Categories: Lettings Property Management
Renting to students can be highly profitable although there are risks. In reality they are often no greater than renting to any stranger.

Rushbrook & Rathbone

Pitched Roof Coverings - Top 5 Defects

Saturday, 29th May 2010

Categories: Surveying
Roof Spread - It was common throughout the 1970s & 80s for dilapidated slate roofs to be replaced with heavy interlocking concrete tiles. Large concrete tiles weigh considerably more than slates and unless additional supports are provided the rafters will bend under the weight and in extreme cases place additional pressure of the tops of the walls in a defect referred to by surveyors as ‘roof spread’.

Justin Burns

HIPs Suspended

Thursday, 20th May 2010

Categories: Market Analysis Sales
David Cameron's coalition Government have today honoured their manifesto pledge and suspended Home Information Packs (HIPs) with immediate effect. They are to be abolished as soon as primary legislation can be put in place.

Sue Bradford

Do it Yourself Vs Professional Managing Agents – A false economy?

Friday, 14th May 2010

Categories: Lettings Property Management
Landlords looking to save money may decide to try to go it alone and manage their own properties rather than rely upon the expertise of a trained and established property management company.

Rushbrook & Rathbone

Why You Shouldn't Attend Your Survey

Sunday, 25th April 2010

Categories: Surveying
I'm asked by clients quite regularly if they can 'drop by' towards the end of a survey inspection to get a ‘quick run down’ - I always politely refuse. I have lost instructions in the past for taking this stance but the more surveys I do the more sure I am that it is correct.

Justin Burns

The Importance of Inventories

Tuesday, 13th April 2010

Categories: Lettings Property Management
Some Landlords question the necessity of having a comprehensive inventory and schedule of condition of their property carried out before a tenant moves in, but if you think about it would you expect a car rental company to rent you a car without first making a thorough check of the condition of the paint work, upholstery etc. how would they know what if any new damage had been caused on its return.

Rushbrook & Rathbone

Unlock the Potential in Your Garden

Wednesday, 24th March 2010

Categories: Sales Selling Tips
Now that Spring has officially started and the weather has improved prospective buyers will place greater importance on the garden as an attractive and safe place for the parents to relax and the kids to play.

Sue Bradford

When Were Your Electrics Last Tested?

Monday, 15th March 2010

Categories: Selling Tips Surveying
I last wrote about the New RICS Homebuyer Report on the blog back in July last year. It becomes mandatory at the end of this month after which Chartered Surveyors will no longer be permitted to produce the old style printed version.

Justin Burns

The Importance of Floor Plans

Monday, 15th March 2010

Categories: Sales Selling Tips
The inclusion of a high quality set of floor plans on your property’s details, showing the layout and dimensions, will not only provide something extremely useful to potential buyers but will have the added benefit of saving yourself time and unnecessary stress.

Sue Bradford

Where have all the Properties Gone?

Thursday, 25th February 2010

Categories: Market Analysis Property Prices Sales Selling Tips
If you are currently looking to buy a property in the area you will have noticed that there is very little around to choose from. Buyer demand is still extremely strong and there is only a trickle of new properties coming on to the market. This combination of factors should ensure that prices remain strong over the next few months.

Sue Bradford

Beat the Spring Rush

Thursday, 25th February 2010

Categories: Market Analysis Sales Selling Tips
Spring is traditionally the busiest time of the year in estate agency. It is not unusual for us to take on half our new instructions for the year during the months of March, April and May.

Sue Bradford

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