Right of first refusal (RFR) is invoked when the freeholder (landlord) wants to sell their interest in a building that is subject to RFR legislation and they are required under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 (the “1987 Act”) to offer this interest to the leaseholders first.This can be the entire freehold, part of the building or common ... Read more >>
Categories: Leasehold Valuations, Valuation
There are a number of hoops to jump through when negotiating the purchase of a home, particularly when purchasing a new build property.To add to this burgeoning ‘to do’ list, it would seem that a worrying trend of poor quality control is developing in the new build property sector, even amongst so called ‘luxury’ branded sections ... Read more >>
Categories: Building Defects, Surveying
It’s the phrase that party wall surveyors rely on to reassure adjoining owners that they will not incur costs as a result of their neighbours’ works i.e. “In all normal circumstances, the fees of all/any appointed surveyors will be paid by the building owner”. The inquisitive adjoining owner will ask for clarification of what ‘normal ... Read more >>
Categories: Party Walls
The process of preparing a Reinstatement Cost Assessment involves a site visit to inspect the property, take measurements and site notes detailing the type and quality of the accommodation, a calculation of the likely reinstatement cost of the property based on the information gathered during the inspection, and the recording of this information ... Read more >>
If badly handled, party wall procedures can add many thousands of pounds to the costs of your building project but there are plenty of things you (and your surveyor) can do to keep costs to a minimum. Speak to your neighbours before serving noticeThis isn't always possible, if the property is let or the adjoining freeholder is a ... Read more >>
Categories: Party Walls
There are many different elements that will need to be considered in order for the vision of your extension to become a reality and it is apparent that a layperson is often unaware what professional help may be required along the way - there are the obvious ones; Architect, engineer and contractor, and to a lesser extent, the party wall ... Read more >>
Categories: License to Alter, Surveying, Valuation
As a recent graduate and Assistant Surveyor, a large part of my training was party wall related. As part of that training I spent time assisting the team that deal with new enquiries in sending fee proposals and liaising with owners. I thought it might be helpful to work through an example relating to a rear extension.When preparing a fee ... Read more >>
Categories: Case Studies, Party Walls