INDEPENDENT ARTICLES, CLEAR INSIGHTS, STRAIGHTFORWARD ADVICE FOR INFORMED PROPERTY DECISIONS.
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...
What does a snagging list cover?
A snagging list covers defects, unfinished items, and workmanship issues in a property—most commonly a new-build, but also after refurbishments, extensions, or conversions. The aim is to document everything that needs putting right, clearly and methodically, so the...
What can stop me getting freeholder Licence for Alterations consent?
Several things can stop (or seriously delay) freeholder consent for a Licence for Alterations — and most of them fall into one of four buckets: Your lease doesn’t permit the works (or restricts them heavily) The proposal creates unmanaged risk (structure, fire, water...
What can I expect from a Level 3 Survey?
A Level 3 Survey (often called a Building Survey) is the most detailed pre-purchase survey option for residential property. You can expect it to give you a thorough, practical understanding of the building, with clear explanations of defects, their likely causes...
What are typical property snags?
“Snags” are the defects, incomplete items, and workmanship issues that crop up in a property—most commonly in new builds, but also after conversions, refurbishments, extensions and loft conversions. Some are minor cosmetics; others are functional problems or details...