At Andrew R Williams & Associates, Chartered Surveyors, we always ensure that when drafting reports of properties with texture-coated ceilings or walls dating from before the mid-1980s or possibly later we include an asbestos warning. An inquest at Derby and South Derbyshire’s Coroner’s Court, heard how Edwin Shardlow was exposed to asbestos while creating textured ceilings during his work at … Read More
Certificate of Lawful Use or Development
A lawful development certificate (LDC) is a statutory document confirming that the use, operation or activity named in it a lawful for planning control purposes. Once granted, the certificate will remian valid for the use or development described in it, on the land it describes. You must apply to the local planning authority (LPA) for such a certificate. If the … Read More
What type of survey do I need?
Many people do not wish to read long explanations. In which case telephone the Chartered Surveyor where you need a survey or advice and he or she will be happy to discuss and explain the options to you. For those that wish to read a general summary of the most common types of Survey and Advice, read on. This article … Read More
QSi plan new conference for 2012
Following an extensive survey of members, the QSi General Council decided that there would be another Conference in November / October 2012. The most likely venue this year will be Wolverhampton University if the venue is available.
UK house prices crept up by one per cent across 2011
According to recent research, House prices in the UK inched up by one per cent in 2011. Regional variation in prices has been less significant than that recorded in previous years, with London witnessing the strongest growth for 2011.
Richest Buyers costing £1bn in Stamp Duty Avoidance
A stamp duty dodging scheme is reportedly costing up to £1bn in potential Government revenue from house sales. Research indicates that as much as one in three sales over £1m are avoiding the 5% Stamp duty. This popular avoidance system involves the use of offshore companies to transfer ownership of a property. In this case, the deeds to a property … Read More
Frequently asked questions concerning Energy Performance Certificates on holiday lets in England and Wales.
Is an Energy Performance Certificate needed for holiday accommodation? In certain circumstances, yes – basically, an Energy Performance Certificate is required whenever a property is rented out (unless it is intended to be used for less than 4 months in a year), including when it is rented for use as holiday accommodation. A rental arrangement is one where a person … Read More
Putting you in the know – SAVA Home Condition Survey
Buying a house is a major investment. One that you really need to make an informed decision about. That’s exactly what the Home Condition Survey allows you to do. It’s a striking fact that around 70% of homebuyers do not commission any form of independent survey on the property they purchase. Which?, the consumer agency, estimates that undertaking a condition survey … Read More
GREEN DEAL
GREEN DEAL The ‘Green Deal’ intends to reduce carbon emissions cost effectively by revolutionising the energy efficiency of British properties. The new innovative Green Deal financial mechanism eliminates the need to pay upfront for energy efficiency measures and instead provides reassurances that the cost of the measures should be covered by savings on the electricity bill. ECO A new Energy … Read More