What is the difference between a HomeBuyer Report and a Building Survey?

The principal difference between the two report forms is the level of detail reported back to the client. Homebuyer Reports are considered satisfactory for particular types of property Find out more..

Why do I need a survey?

Many people who buy property assume that the mortgage Valuation that is undertaken by the bank is a survey and that they can rely on it as a statement of condition. Find out more..

I live in a flat. How can I buy the freehold of my building?

You must be a long leaseholder. At least two – thirds of the flats in the building must have been sold on long leases (minimum 21 years when granted). Find out more..

I am an overseas owner of a UK residential property. Who should I get to value it?

Valuations In respect of land and buildings, valuations are the biggest single area of risk, accounting for a large part of our compliance checks. This is particularly so where the valuation is not referred to a qualified independent valuer and it is important to make sure the valuation is made for the purposes of relevant legislation and meets Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Find out more..

I am buying a flat. Which is the best survey for me?

We usually recommend an RICS Homebuyer Report for flats, particularly if they are relatively new, but if the flat forms part of a large converted Georgian house Find out more..

I am buying a house. What would be the best survey?

RICS guidance states that a regular terraced house, possibly with some alterations or extensions is suitable for a Homebuyer Report, but we often find that, because of the increased capital value involved, clients tend to prefer the more detailed Building Survey Find out more..

I live overseas, but own a property in the United Kingdom. Am I subject to Capital Gains Tax?

As we mentioned before, the UK Government has been clamping down on the tax position of overseas property owners and also introduced a change in Capital Gains Tax rules which state that, as of the 5 April 2015 Find out more..

I have inherited a property in the United Kingdom. Should I get it professionally valued for Inheritance Tax/Probate purposes?

Inheritance Tax valuations are undertaken as at the date of death. Although in our experience most valuations are no more than 12 months old, it can be the case that Probate matters go on for many years and we have carried out Find out more..

I notice that you offer the official RICS Homebuyer Report but other firms I have spoken to do not. Why is this?

After much consultation, our professional body, the RICS, introduced a standard proforma Homebuyer Report designed to allow the public to easily understand the condition of their property as well as obtain an opinion on value. Find out more..

I own a top floor leasehold flat and wish to buy the attic space from my landlord. Can you provide a valuation of the attic space and an opinion of the premium I will have to pay to the Freeholder?

We are increasingly asked to carry out valuations of this type. Before proceeding it is important to establish whether the attic space is demised Find out more..

I own a ground floor flat and want to extend into the side return. Can you provide a valuation of the premium I will have to pay to the Freeholder?

As with attic spaces, it is important to establish whether the land forming the side return forms part of your demise or whether it is wholly owned by Find out more..

We are a charity wishing to dispose of a property in the United Kingdom. Can you provide a valuation that complies with the Charities Act?

We carry out a number of Charities Act valuations each year and are familiar with the obligations that fall upon charities in this regard. Find out more..

What other valuations do you carry out for clients?

We carry out various valuations for both corporate and private clients, including, but not restricted to, valuations for French Wealth Tax, Housing Association Staircase Valuations for both acquisition and disposal Find out more..

I want a survey but it’s another expense on top of everything else so should I just go for a cheap one?

People buying a house or flat often look for a cheap surveyor when considering a HomeBuyer or Building Survey report.
However, a cheap survey is not necessarily the best value. It is important to ensure that the surveyor you use is a Chartered Surveyor Find out more..