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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We cannot say enough good things about our experience with Peter Barry. We came to them when stuck in a slow Party Wall process with another surveyor and an fast approaching deadline as we wanted to start work on our property in time to finish before December. The Peter Barry team were phenomenal. Callum's knowledge was fantastic and he advised us effectively every step of the way, while Trina was highly responsive and a delight to work with. We were delighted with the experience and would recommend Peter Barry to anyone needing support with a Party Wall Award.
Finlay was fantastic on our Party Wall Award. Clear communication throughout process and helped to drive the process forward. Very friendly and efficient on the site visit and very thorough. Would highly recommend. Thank you!
Response from the owner:We're delighted to hear that Finlay provided clear communication throughout the Party Wall Award process and helped keep everything moving smoothly. We'll be sure to pass on your comments to him. Thank you for your recommendation.
I recently used the Peter Barry services, and I was thoroughly impressed with the professionalism and thoroughness of the Level 2 survey. The team was very knowledgeable and explained the scope of the survey clearly before starting. They conducted a detailed inspection of the property, identifying both visible issues and potential hidden defects that could affect the building’s value and safety. The survey report was comprehensive yet easy to understand, featuring clear descriptions, photographs, and recommendations for any necessary repairs or further specialist investigations. I appreciated the prompt turnaround time without any compromise on the quality of their work. Overall, the Level 2 survey provided me with the confidence and detailed information I needed to make an informed decision regarding my property purchase. I would highly recommend this service to anyone looking for a reliable and detailed property survey.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We're delighted to hear that you found the Level 2 survey thorough, clear and informative, and that the report gave you the confidence needed to make an informed decision. We truly appreciate your recommendation and are pleased we could assist with your property purchase.
A brilliant first class experience I wanted a survey swiftly and I got a can-do and thoughtful response and ultimately a survey in swift time! Thanks very much indeed. I recommend!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review. We're pleased we could arrange your survey quickly and provide the responsive service you were looking for. We really appreciate your recommendation and wish you all the best with your property purchase.
Rigorous and timely. Recommend.
Response from the owner:We appreciate your recommendation, thank you.
Very professional and efficient service
Response from the owner:Thank you for your comments
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