LATEST BLOG POSTS: Architecture

Welcome to Peter Barry’s blog posts. You’ll find a range of topics focussing on issues that are important to our clients where we try to answer the questions that we regularly get asked.

Leasehold Reform Update January 2026: What the New Ground Rent Cap Means for Leaseholders

Tuesday, 27th January 2026 | by: Peter Barry

The government has now published its draft Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill, signalling a major shift in the way leasehold properties in England and Wales are structured. Central to the proposals is a cap on ground rents — set at £250 per year — alongside a wider package of reforms designed to give homeowners more control and improve fairness in the system. For many leaseholders, ...

The government has now published its draft Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill, signalling a major shift in the way ...

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What the Public Really Thinks of Surveyors

Tuesday, 22nd July 2025 | by: Peter Barry

I recently stumbled across a discussion on social media about a man who bought a house in Melbourne and only found out that ...

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Labour’s Plan for Higher Roof Extensions

Thursday, 22nd August 2024 | by: Matthew Price

The new Labour Government have revealed proposals that will encourage home owners to extend their property upwards by making ...

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Types of License to Alter Enquiry

Friday, 15th March 2024 | by: Matthew Price

Here at Peter Barry Surveyors, we receive enquiries for varying types of work that will require a license to alter ranging ...

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Houses of Non-Traditional Construction – Common Property Defects #6

Wednesday, 15th February 2023 | by: Steve Hobbs

Over the years, the Peter Barry team has carried out numerous pre-purchase property surveys for clients intending to buy ...

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What are my options for my loft extension?

Friday, 18th June 2021 | by: Matthew Price

Of all the types of property extension the conversion of a loft space is one of the more affordable in comparison to side ...

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Additional Storeys and The Party Wall Act

Sunday, 7th March 2021 | by: Peter Barry

An amendment to the General Permitted Development Order which allows property owners to add up to 2 further storeys to their property without planning consent came in to force on 30th December 2020. So does this mean we’re going to see houses all over London being extended upwards despite how incongruous such an extension may look? A scan through the conditions suggests not. The most ...

An amendment to the General Permitted Development Order which allows property owners to add up to 2 further storeys to their ...

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Selling a Flat with a Short Lease

Monday, 6th July 2020 | by: Matthew Price

One of the most common reasons for leaseholders wanting to extend their leases is the need to sell. A property's value ...

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Planning Permission – an on-going consideration

Wednesday, 1st January 2020 | by: Peter Barry

Soon after thoughts about carrying out some building work to a property have been formed, thoughts will often turn to ...

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Guest Post – What does an Architect do?

Tuesday, 3rd December 2019 | by: Jason Harris | 2 minute read

The common stereotype is that architects ‘draw pretty pictures’ of buildings.  That may be true – the presentation of ...

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Our surveyor, James, arrived at the house at the appointed time and was most helpful in explaining the details of the party wall agreement. He later sent the completed document as promised. Most efficient and friendly service throughout.
I was put at ease by the professional way In which this survey was conducted I highly recommend Peter Barry All aspects were considered my home Was examined for any potential problems That may be caused by the works being Carried out by the neighbouring property . Photos were skilfully recorded and a Drone was used to take pictures of the roof . Peter Barry Surveyor truly did a fantastic Job acting in a professional manner at all Times . And showing respect for my home And security and I can only prise them , Many Thanks Rachel
Response from the owner:Thank you, Rachel, for your lovely review. We’re really pleased to hear the survey put you at ease and that the team’s thorough approach — including the detailed photos and drone imagery — helped you feel fully protected. Your kind words about the surveyor’s professionalism and respect for your home mean a great deal.
I was a neighbour of someone who wanted to do some changes to their dormer into a full loft conversion. The surveyor sent to review our shared walls was very young professional and helped answer all my questions and concerns. The emails from the firm were very formal, else and they were very reachable by telephone. I didn’t pay as my neighbour was carrying out the works so I can’t comment there. I would consider using this firm for further works personally
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re really pleased to hear how well the surveyor supported you throughout your neighbour’s loft‑conversion process.
Very responsive and proactive. Would highly recommend
Response from the owner:Thank you, we appreciate your recommendation.
Great surveyor. Professional and very good service for our party wall matter. Thank you.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your review. We’re really pleased to hear you received such professional service and that everything went smoothly with your party wall matter.
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