INDEPENDENT ARTICLES, CLEAR INSIGHTS, STRAIGHTFORWARD ADVICE FOR INFORMED PROPERTY DECISIONS.
What To Do When You Open A Party Wall Notice Letter
Opening a Party Wall Notice can feel a bit alarming—especially if you weren’t expecting building work next door. The key thing to know is this: a notice doesn’t automatically mean a dispute, and it doesn’t mean work is happening tomorrow. It’s a formal step under the...
What to do when the freeholder is difficult during a Licence for Alterations
When a freeholder (or managing agent) becomes “difficult” during a Licence for Alterations application, it can feel personal—especially when you’re trying to improve your own home. In reality, most friction comes from one of three places: Risk management (structure,...
What to do if the contractor refuses to address snags
If a contractor refuses to return and sort snagging items, it’s frustrating—but you’re not powerless. The key is to move from informal chasing to a structured, evidence-led process that (a) gives them a fair opportunity to put things right and (b) protects your...
What to do if my Level 3 Survey advises me to walk away
Seeing the words “you may wish to reconsider” or “we advise caution / you should consider withdrawing” in a Level 3 Survey can be a real shock—especially if you’ve mentally moved in already. But it’s important to remember what a Level 3 Survey is for: to protect you...
What should I do when I receive my Level 3 Survey?
Receiving your Level 3 Survey can feel overwhelming—especially if it’s detailed (and it should be). The key is to treat it as a decision tool and a risk management plan, not a list of everything that’s “wrong”. Below is a structured, practical way to work through your...
What sets our Schedule of Condition reports apart
A Schedule of Condition report is only valuable if it can be relied upon later—when memories have faded, emotions may be running high, and decisions need to be made quickly and fairly. The difference between an average report and an excellent one is rarely the number...
What’s right for me: a Level 2 Survey or a Level 3 Survey?
The right choice comes down to one thing: how much uncertainty you can comfortably carry into the purchase. A Level 2 Survey is usually the best fit for a conventional property in reasonable condition, where you want a thorough visual check, clear priorities, and...
What parts of the property does a Level 3 Survey cover?
A Level 3 Survey (often called a Building Survey) is designed to cover as much of the property as is physically accessible on the day, with a careful inspection of the inside and outside of the main building, plus permanent outbuildings. It’s a whole-property...
What parts of the property does a Level 2 Survey cover?
A Level 2 Survey (typically the RICS Home Survey – Level 2) is designed to give a professional, objective view of the condition of the main elements of a property. It involves a more extensive visual inspection of the building, its services, and the grounds, but it...