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Damp and mould in your home

By ms.admin

The tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, ruled by Rochale Coroner’s Court to be due to prolonged exposure to black mould in his home, has highlighted a problem that until now, largely gone under the radar.   What is mould? Mould is a form of fungus and there are many types. Mould spores are everywhere at all times and just need the…

Independent Damp and Timber Surveys

By ms.admin

Why pay for an independent damp survey?  “I’ve had quotes for hundreds here and thousands there… who do I trust?”  “Do I really need a damp course installed?”  These are just a couple of the questions we are asked daily. So why should you pay for an independent survey?  Quite simply, we have no affiliation…

Benefits of a New Build Snagging Survey

By ms.admin

Why a Snagging Survey is Important  When purchasing a new build home, you naturally expect everything to be perfect. However, according to the New Home Customer Satisfaction survey, 94% of buyers in 2021 reported snags or defects to their builder. A snagging survey is designed to identify any issues, ranging from cosmetic to structural, so the developer can rectify…

What Type of Survey do I Need?

By ms.admin

The type of house survey you need will largely depend on the age, construction and condition of the property you are buying or selling. Choosing the right survey helps highlight any serious issues and alerts you to specific risks before you commit. Below, we outline the main types of surveys and when they are most appropriate.  New Build Snagging Surveys …

Down Valuations – Do They Really Exist?

By ms.admin

What Is a “Down Valuation”?  A “down valuation” occurs when a valuation report states that a property is worth less than the agreed price between the buyer and seller. It’s not a term many surveyors like to use, because what’s labelled a “down valuation” is usually just the difference between the seller’s expectation and the property’s true market value.  Why Do Perceived Down Valuations…

How Can I Extend My Lease?

By ms.admin

Extending the lease on your property can significantly increase its value, particularly if you are planning to sell or remortgage. There are two main routes available when extending a lease: Formal Lease Extensions and Informal Lease Extensions.  Below, our experienced team explains the key differences between the two and what you need to know before proceeding….

EWS1 Forms – What you need to know

By ms.admin

Do You Live in a Flat or Apartment? Understand EWS1 forms and Valuations  If you live in a flat or apartment and require a valuation—whether for Help to Buy, Housing Association purposes, Staircasing, a Mortgage Valuation, or any other reason—it is important that you are aware of a document known as an EWS1 form. What This Article…

Nil Valuations

By ms.admin

Could Your Home Be Impacted by a Nil Valuation?  Are you selling a house with Spray Foam in the loft, Japanese knotweed in the garden, or an apartment in a building with safety issues? If your buyer’s mortgage valuation comes back as zero, don’t panic.  A nil valuation doesn’t mean your property is worthless. Far from it. Instead, it usually indicates that the…

Staircasing – how to own more of your shared home

By ms.admin

To buy a shared ownership property, according to gov.uk, both of the following must apply your household income is £80,000 a year or less (£90,000 a year or less in London)  you cannot afford all of the deposit and mortgage payments for a home that meets your need And one of the following must be true:  You’re a first-time buyer …

Selling your leasehold property with a short lease

By ms.admin

I want to sell my leasehold property but I only have a short lease, what are my options? If you are in the position that you own a leasehold property (usually a flat / apartment or maisonette) and only have a short lease remaining your property is likely to be un-mortgageable and you will have…