PROFESSIONAL DEPARTMENT

VALUATIONS

We can provide valuation reports on all types of property in accordance with the guidelines set out in the RICS Appraisal and Valuation Standards Fifth Edition. The report can include land and buildings for purchase, probate, rating, finance and taxation, liquidation or bankruptcy. We can provide an estimation of the reinstatement cost for fire insurance purposes based on the Building Cost Information Service criteria. We can provide figures for incorporation into Company Accounts and other financial statements. Our reports can also be used for investment and security purposes.

SURVEYS

We carry out surveys on all types of property for all purposes, including reports for banks, building societies, insurance companies or other lenders. We also provide valuation advice for mortgage purposes.

LANDLORD & TENANT

For commercial and business property, we can help both Landlords and Tenants through the complicated Landlord and Tenant Law and Procedure. This is an area of the Law which is extremely complex, undergoing constant changes, and you may need professional guidance, whether it is to interpret the clauses of a commercial lease, or a rent review or lease renewal. We can explain the meaning and help you avoid the pitfalls.

RENT REVIEW

A rent review can affect either a Landlord or a Tenant. It is a device to protect the Landlord against the effects of inflation during the term of a lease, whilst it gives the tenant the security of a long term lease with regular reviews. Often both parties need professional advice to secure the best deal with regard to rent, and to follow what can be quite critical procedures in the lease relating to notices and negotiations. We will help you secure the correct rent and explain the effects of these clauses – in particular, repairs, improvements and alterations to the property.

LEASE RENEWAL

The 1954 Landlord and Tenant Act is very strict regarding lease renewal time limits, and lease obligations are extremely important. Following the Woolf Report, the litigation procedure is quite complex but we are able to work with your other professional advisers to help you preserve your rights to renew and ensure the procedure for correctly negotiating terms is carried out to best effect.

DILAPIDATIONS

Occupiers of buildings very often have obligations to repair and we are able to explain the legal and technical aspects to both the Landlord and Tenant to protect your interests. We can advise on:-

• Schedules of Condition
• Interim Schedules of Dilapidations
• Schedules of Dilapidations relating to specific breaches, and in particular Section 146 Notices
• Terminal Schedules of Dilapidations
• Estimates of cost for remedial works
• Computations of claims for liquidation damages
• Scott Schedules

BLOCK PURCHASE AND LEASE EXTENSION

We can give detailed advice on the rights of leaseholders and freeholders in relation to the new Government legislation for leasehold reform, in particular the effect of the Leasehold Reform Housing & Urban Development Act as amended by the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act. We can advise both freeholders and leaseholders on their rights and the appropriate figures to be paid either for the acquisition or sale of a freehold or the extension of a lease. We can provide you with the formal reports necessary for your Solicitors to serve appropriate notice under the Acts and follow through with negotiations on price or, if necessary, arguing your case at the Local Valuation Tribunal. We have experience of appearing as expert witnesses in the Valuation Tribunal, Lands Tribunal, County Court and High Court

RATING

We have a thorough working knowledge of the Rating system, with considerable experience of dealing with all types of rating assessments, ranging from normal offices, shops and factories, through to petrol filling stations, public houses and leisure facilities. We can advise you upon your Rateable Value, act on your behalf in lodging appropriate Appeals, and negotiating reductions in your rating assessment with the Valuation Office – if necessary, representing you at the Valuation Tribunal. Our aim is to ensure you should pay no more than necessary; our fees are not due until such time as the job is completed.

MANAGEMENT

We can combine some or all of our services with rent collection and administration of managing your property. We aim to give precise control and gain optimum performance from your “bricks & mortar” investment, ensuring you gain the most from your property, with the minimum of inconvenience. As Chartered Surveyors, we aim to comply with the RICS Management Code of Practice and Members’ Account Regulations.

If you wish to discuss any further details regarding any of the above services or property problem you have please call:-

Christopher Spratt Bsc FRICS on 01903 234343