by Howorth | Jan 28, 2026 | Articles
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...
by Howorth | Jan 28, 2026 | Articles
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...
by Howorth | Jan 28, 2026 | Articles
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...
by Howorth | Jan 28, 2026 | Articles
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...
by Howorth | Jan 28, 2026 | Articles
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...
