EXPERT PROPERTY SURVEYING SERVICES THAT SPECIFICALLY CATER TO BISHOP'S STORTFORD AND SURROUNDING AREAS

About our Property Surveys

Peter Barry’s property surveys are carried out by independent RICS-qualified Chartered Surveyors to assess a residential property’s structural condition, general repair state and, where required, its market value. Their purpose is to identify defects, areas of concern and provide professional recommendations to help buyers make informed decisions. Reports can highlight remedial work, assist in negotiating price reductions, or offer peace of mind if no major issues are found.

Types of Surveys Offered

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) classifies surveys into levels:

LEVEL 2 HOME SURVEY – a cost-effective mid-level report (formerly HomeBuyer Report). It evaluates the property’s condition inside/outside using a traffic-light system and can include valuation and reinstatement cost assessments.

LEVEL 3 HOME SURVEY – a detailed report (formerly Full Structural or Building Survey). It not only lists visible defects but also considers potential hidden issues and outlines repair options, with optional cost estimates.

We also offer SPECIFIC DEFECT REPORTS which are bespoke investigations focused on particular problems.

Standalone valuation reports are also available for purposes like tax planning, matrimonial proceedings or staircasing shared ownership properties.

Costs & Process

Survey costs vary by property size, value and survey level. Level 2 reports start from around £600 and Level 3 from £900 but quotes are tailored to individual cases. Surveys are usually commissioned by the buyer between offer acceptance and contract exchange.

Why Choose Peter Barry

The firm is RICS-regulated, with experienced surveyors across multiple London offices, competitive fees and comprehensive service backed by numerous positive client reviews.

Overview of our Party Wall Services

Our team of RICS-qualified surveyors, assistant surveyors and administrators provide specialist party wall surveyor services, helping homeowners and adjoining owners navigate the requirements of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

What the Party Wall Act Covers

The Party Wall Act applies to building works that have the potential to affect shared or adjoining structures and is designed to protect neighbouring properties while allowing construction to proceed lawfully. It typically applies to:

• New walls built up to or astride a property boundary.
• Work directly affecting party structures such as inserting beams as part of a loft conversion, removing chimney breasts or repairing a shared garden wall.
• Excavation within 3.0m of a neighbouring or shared structure that is deeper than the base of the foundations to that structure.

When works fall under the Act, affected owners must be formally notified. If the neighbour dissents, surveyors must be appointed to resolve the dispute by agreeing a party wall award.

Party Wall Procedures

The typical process includes:

1. Serving the required notices to neighbours.
2. Monitoring responses – if there is a dissent, surveyors are appointed to resolve the dispute.
3. Schedule of condition – a record of the condition of the adjoining property prior to the works.
4. Agreeing the party wall award – the document that resolves the dispute.
5. Further input from the appointed surveyor(s) should a dispute arise either during or following the works.

Costs and Getting a Quote

Peter Barry offers free, no-obligation advice and quotes for building owners tailored to the specifics of the proposed works when you submit your drawings.

Leasehold Valuations

Peter Barry provides expert leasehold valuation and negotiation services to help flat owners extend their leases or purchase the freehold of their building. Our valuations are carried out by RICS-registered valuers and Chartered Surveyors with extensive experience, from individual flats to large residential blocks. We focus on giving clear advice that helps you understand your options and make confident decisions.

How We Can Help

We specialise in valuations and negotiations under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993, which gives qualifying leaseholders the legal right to extend their lease or collectively buy the freehold. We can also advise on informal negotiations with freeholders where appropriate, helping you explore the most cost-effective route. These are the typical steps:

1. Accurate valuation of the premium payable
2. Negotiation with the freeholder’s surveyor
3. Ongoing advice throughout the process
4. Support if the matter proceeds to the First-Tier Tribunal

We also offer an online lease extension calculator to provide an initial estimate of likely costs.

Lease Extensions and Freehold Purchases

A statutory lease extension adds 90 years to your existing lease and reduces ground rent to a peppercorn (zero), often increasing the property’s value and mortgageability. Where multiple leaseholders are involved, we can also assist with collective enfranchisement, enabling you to buy the freehold together.

Our Approach

Once instructed, we prepare a detailed valuation report, usually within a few working days, and liaise closely with your solicitor to progress the matter efficiently. Our goal is always to achieve the best possible outcome while keeping costs proportionate.

Other Residential Surveying Services

Peter Barry offers a broad range of residential surveying services designed to support homeowners, buyers, leaseholders and landlords with expert advice and professional assessments. Our services are delivered by experienced, RICS‑regulated Chartered Surveyors who provide clear guidance tailored to each client’s needs.

Licence to Alter (LTA) Services

When you plan structural or material changes to a flat or house that require a landlord’s consent, Peter Barry can assist with the Licence to Alter process. This includes reviewing proposals, helping solicitors draft appropriate documentation, preparing schedules of condition, and inspecting works as they progress and upon completion, ensuring compliance and protecting your interests.

Insurance Reinstatement Valuations

Insurers often require an accurate reinstatement cost valuation to set appropriate cover levels. Peter Barry’s surveyors calculate the rebuild cost of a property from scratch using current construction cost data, ensuring you have the right level of insurance protection.

Access and Licence Services

For work that requires access over neighbouring land (such as scaffolding or crane oversails), Peter Barry can prepare a scaffold licence. These documents cover key practical details like safety, working hours and professional fees, helping secure legally sound access rights.

Snagging and Outstanding Works Lists

On newly built or recently refurbished homes, Peter Barry can prepare a schedules of outstanding works (often referred to as a ‘snagging list’) to record defects and items that should be completed before purchase. We can also carry out follow‑up inspections before completion to confirm satisfactory rectification.