Expert insights on building surveys, party wall law, homebuyer reports and London property — written by our RICS-accredited surveyors.
Most buyers are surprised by what a Level 3 Building Survey uncovers. From hidden damp to structural movement, here's a surveyor's honest account of what we actually find inside London homes.
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Planning an extension or loft conversion? Everything you need to know about the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 — notices, timelines, costs and what happens if neighbours disagree.
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Confused by traffic lights and survey jargon? Our senior surveyor breaks down exactly what a Homebuyer Report covers, what the ratings mean and what to do if something comes up.
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Damp is one of the most common findings in London survey reports. Here's a surveyor's guide to the different types of damp, how they're diagnosed and what treatment actually works.
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RICS Red Book valuations, mortgage valuations, probate valuations — what's the difference? Our valuers explain the various types of property valuation reports and when you need each one.
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Victorian terraces dominate the Paddington, Bayswater and Notting Hill market. Here's what our surveyors always check first — and the issues that catch buyers off guard.
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Cracks in walls, sloping floors, sticking doors — not all structural concerns need a full building survey. Our guide explains when a targeted structural investigation is the right approach.
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A loft conversion is one of the most common triggers for a party wall notice in London. Here's what you need to know — and what can go wrong if you don't get the process right.
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Your survey has flagged significant defects. Now what? Our surveyors explain exactly how to use your report to negotiate a price reduction or require remedial works before exchange.
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Leasehold purchases in London come with unique risks beyond the building fabric. Our surveyors explain what a survey can — and can't — cover, and what else you should always check.
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What's the Paddington property market really like in 2025? Our principal surveyor shares his observations from dozens of surveys in W2 — including the pitfalls buyers most commonly fall into.
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Property disputes that reach the courts often hinge on expert surveying evidence. Our principal surveyor explains what CPR Part 35 expert witnesses actually do — and the qualities that make their reports effective.
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Basement conversions add serious value in London — but carry structural, waterproofing and compliance risks that standard surveys often underestimate. Here's what to look for before you buy or build.
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Flat roofs are one of the most common sources of problems in London surveys. Our surveyor explains the defects we find, how to spot early warning signs and what good repair looks like.
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Rising energy bills and EPC legislation are pushing London homeowners toward retrofit — but in Victorian properties, the risks of getting it wrong are significant. Here's what to check first.
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