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

Buying a property is rarely just about whether it “looks nice” on a viewing. The real decision is whether the building is sound, whether any defects are manageable, and whether the purchase still stacks up once you factor in repair costs, disruption, and risk. A Level...

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...

Sometimes—but you shouldn’t rely on it, and it depends on how they are approached. Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, the Third Surveyor is appointed (selected) by the two surveyors when there are two surveyors acting—one for the building owner and one for the...

Sometimes yes, sometimes no — it depends mainly on what your lease says about alterations and consent. The key point is this: Your freeholder doesn’t automatically have to consent just because you want to improve your home. But if your lease contains a fully qualified...

Yes — in a technical/legal sense under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, dissenting does create a “dispute.” But it’s not usually a “legal dispute” in the way most people mean (lawyers, court, shouting, etc.). In party wall terms, “dispute” is a trigger word that simply...

Not in the way people usually mean it. A party wall surveyor is not an advocate like a solicitor. Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, surveyors have a duty to act independently and impartially, even if you appoint and pay them. Their job is to manage risk, set fair...

Yes—sometimes you can, and when it works, it can reduce duplication, cost, and delay. However, switching from the “two surveyors” route to an Agreed Surveyor isn’t automatic, and you generally can’t do it unilaterally once separate appointments have been made. Whether...

It can do, but it doesn’t always—it depends on which version you instruct. RICS recognises two Level 2 formats: RICS Home Survey – Level 2 (survey only) – condition report without a valuation. RICS Home Survey – Level 2 (survey and valuation) – the same condition...

Yes — it’s possible, but only if both owners agree and the surveyor is willing and able to act impartially under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. An Agreed Surveyor is not “your surveyor” or “their surveyor.” Once appointed as the Agreed Surveyor, they must act...