INDEPENDENT ARTICLES, CLEAR INSIGHTS, STRAIGHTFORWARD ADVICE FOR INFORMED PROPERTY DECISIONS.
What is a Level 2 Survey?
A Level 2 Survey is a mid-level property condition survey commonly used in the UK when buying (and sometimes selling) a home. It’s designed to give you a clear, practical overview of the property’s condition—more detailed than a basic overview survey, but not as...
What is a fully qualified Licence for Alterations covenant?
A fully qualified Licence for Alterations covenant is a lease clause that restricts alterations unless the landlord gives prior written consent, and adds an important safeguard for the leaseholder: the landlord’s consent must not be unreasonably withheld (and often...
What Happens When Party Wall Damage Occurs?
Damage is one of the main reasons the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 exists. The process is designed to make it clear what the condition was before works, whether damage was caused by the works, and how it will be put right—without it turning into a long, expensive...
Party Wall Notices: What happens if your neighbour objects?
Your neighbour’s right to object After you serve a Party Wall Notice, the adjoining owner has 14 days to reply. If they dissent (object) or raise concerns, this doesn’t necessarily stop your project—but it does trigger the Act’s formal dispute-resolution process. The...
What happens once you have your snagging list survey?
Once you receive your snagging list survey, you’ve moved from “I think there are issues” to “Here is a clear, evidenced record of what needs fixing.” The next steps are about using that document properly so defects are resolved quickly, correctly, and with minimal...
What Happens If You Miss The Party Wall Notice Response Deadline?
If you receive a Party Wall Notice and do not respond within the required timeframe, the law does not simply “pause” the process. What happens next depends on which type of notice you received, but in most cases a missed deadline will trigger the Act’s formal...
What happens if my Level 3 Survey unearths a major defect at the property?
Finding a major defect in a Level 3 Survey can feel like the floor drops away—especially if you were emotionally committed to the property. The good news is that this is exactly what a Level 3 Survey is for: it helps you uncover risks before you become legally...
What does the Duval case mean for Licence for Alterations?
The Court decision in Duval v 11–13 Randolph Crescent Ltd [2020] has become one of the most important leasehold cases for anyone seeking (or granting) a Licence for Alterations in a block of flats. In short, it limits when a freeholder can safely give...
What does a surveyor do during the agreement of a Licence for Alterations?
When a Licence for Alterations is being agreed, the surveyor’s role is essentially to act as the technical gatekeeper between your proposed works and the freeholder’s responsibilities for the building. Their job is not to “block” improvements, but to make sure...