Latest blog posts

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 notice This isn't always possible, if the property is let or the adjoining freeholder is a ... Read more >>

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 >>

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 >>

With house prices in some areas of London having risen 10-fold over the last 20 years it is becoming increasingly more difficult for young people to get their foot on the property ladder. Initiatives that have increased in popularity since they were first introduced in 2013 are the Help to Buy and Shared Ownership schemes. The Help to Buy ... Read more >>

Leasehold properties: What you need to know before you purchase Written By Matthew Price of Peter Barry Surveyors & Matthew Barrett of Thirsk Winton LLP There are many things to consider when deciding whether to purchase leasehold property. Such properties are, by necessity, burdened by greater legal and valuation complexities and it ... Read more >>

Despite evidence of falling values in some areas on London, house prices in the capital remain amongst the most expensive in the world. If Stamp Duty is factored in, £20,000 would be payable on a £600,000 zone 4 mid-terraced 3 bedroom house, it is no surprise that many people choose to extend their property rather than move. This post ... Read more >>