INDEPENDENT ARTICLES, CLEAR INSIGHTS, STRAIGHTFORWARD ADVICE FOR INFORMED PROPERTY DECISIONS.

In 2026, a home’s thermal performance is no longer a “nice-to-have” feature; it is a core component of market value. With energy costs remaining volatile and government targets for Net Zero homes becoming stricter, buyers need to understand the physical reality of a...

Spotting property snags isn’t just about having a sharp eye for paint runs and scratched glass. Real snagging expertise is a mix of technical building knowledge, systematic inspection method, and an understanding of how defects develop over time—so you can catch...

Buying a new build should feel like the “easy” option—fresh finishes, modern standards, minimal repairs. In reality, new homes often come with a long list of small defects and incomplete items that are easy to miss during viewings, but frustrating (and sometimes...

Disputes with developers are rarely about one huge, dramatic defect. More often, they start with small issues that aren’t dealt with properly—unfinished seals, poor workmanship, missing items, repeated “we’ll come back to it” promises—and over time those issues become...

1930s semi-detached houses are the backbone of the UK property market, prized for their generous plots, solid walls and suburban charm. However, as we move through 2026, these homes are reaching a critical age where original components can begin failing...

Appointing a Party Wall Surveyor is often the moment the Party Wall process starts to feel “real”—especially if a neighbour has dissented or hasn’t responded to a notice. Done properly, appointing the right surveyor keeps costs proportionate, reduces delay, and helps...

A snagging list survey is one of the simplest, most cost-effective ways to protect yourself when you’re buying a new-build, taking handover of a newly converted property, or reaching the end of a refurbishment/extension project. It turns vague concerns like “that...

It depends on the risk level of the works, how clear the information is, and how comfortable you feel relying on goodwill alone. Dissenting isn’t “being difficult” — under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 it’s often just choosing a formal protection framework (Schedule of...

If you are unhappy with your Party Wall Surveyor, the right “action” depends on what you’re unhappy about. In party wall matters, surveyors are appointed under statute and are expected to act impartially, so the most effective route is usually to identify whether the...