Monday, 28 December 2009
Monday, 21 December 2009
Friday, 18 December 2009
Increase in property supply fails to halt rising prices
A modest increase in the number of properties coming up for sale is having little effect on the housing market as prices continue to rise, according to the RICS UK Housing Market survey published earlier this week.
For the sixth consecutive month, more chartered surveyors are reporting that the number of new instructions of houses for sale is increasing rather than falling.
However, demand is still outstripping supply with 28% more surveyors stating that enquiries from potential purchasers are rising rather than falling. This figure is slightly down on previous months, but still indicates strong interest from buyers.
However transaction volumes are the lowest for a number of years.
Thursday, 17 December 2009
Meet Some of the Team
From left to right
Olivia Gurr, Jenni Cole, Nicki Barton, Emma Glynn, Andrea Ruffles, Elaine Pickering, Dan Butt
Wednesday, 16 December 2009
now survey - surveyors training day
The pictures above show the now survey surveyor training day held recently to update our surveyors on the new requirements of the RICS Homebuyer Survey.
After a number of years the RICS have decided to update the Homebuyers Survey and the new report format is now in its transitional period with full roll out and implementation due by the end of March 2010.
At now survey we will be trialling the new report during the next few months and hope to have the roll out complete by February of next year.
The new survey report differs from the current report in many ways, but most obviously it introduces the idea of condition ratings for elements of the building based upon a traffic light system making it far easier for potential purchasers to understand the significance of defects found during the survey inspection.
One of our surveyors, Claire Bayliss, spent two hours running through the changes in detail and provided examples of defects and how to rate them for our surveyors.
If you are interested in a survey report of any type have a look at our website -
Friday, 11 December 2009
Are interest rates alone enough to stop the rise in house prices?
take a look here to see.
My own view is that the very real lack of supply is pushing prices up and next year should see a levelling of price rises as a more usual level of supply returns.
But it is only my view!
take a look here to see.
My own view is that the very real lack of supply is pushing prices up and next year should see a levelling of price rises as a more usual level of supply returns.
But it is only my view!
Wednesday, 9 December 2009
Pre-Budget report - Empty rates exemption extended
Chancellor Alistair Darling has extended the relief on Empty Rates tax for properties below the value of £18,000.
This is good news for our commercial property management team and clients and affects abput 70% of empty property.
for more visit this link
Chancellor Alistair Darling has extended the relief on Empty Rates tax for properties below the value of £18,000.
This is good news for our commercial property management team and clients and affects abput 70% of empty property.
for more visit this link
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
Tuesday, 1 December 2009
Friday, 27 November 2009
Tuesday, 24 November 2009
Guide to choosing between surveys
Good morning everyone
Please find below firstly a video which explains the differences between the types of survey available, together with a link to a PDF of our “Guide to Choosing Between Surveys”.
Please find below firstly a video which explains the differences between the types of survey available, together with a link to a PDF of our “Guide to Choosing Between Surveys”.
Link: http://www.now-survey.com/pdfs/choosingbetweensurveys.pdf
I hope you find these helpful. Remember any questions please do email us at info@now-survey.com or call the office on 0845 050 0022.
You can also get a quote for a survey here
Dan
Monday, 23 November 2009
Friday, 20 November 2009
BEFORE YOU BUY A NEW HOME..................
Before you buy your new home - some important points for you to consider ………………
This blog considers the importance of obtaining an independent survey report prior to purchasing a new home.
It would not be unusual when buying a second-hand car to have it thoroughly checked for hidden defects, perhaps by the AA or the RAC or a local mechanic.
The inspection may reveal a great little car that is likely to be good value for money and reliable or it could reveal the exact opposite, a vehicle which appears fine on the surface but upon closer inspection may need a great deal of repair!
Whatever the result the inspection gives the buyer peace of mind that the car that they are buying is in good working order or it enables them to either walk away or negotiate an even better price for the car to take into account the likely cost of any repairs.
Research, however, shows that when it comes to probably our greatest asset, our house, we are less likely to take the same prudent steps.
When purchasing a property most people rely solely on the basic mortgage valuation instructed by and for the mortgage lender.
Research recently conducted by the Bradford and Bingley proves that very often (in 71% of cases), an independent survey saves the client at least the cost of the report in reduction of the purchase price or through the vendor having remedial works carried out prior to exchange of contracts.
now survey has seen a substantial increase over the last few months in the levels of survey instructions, probably as a result of a slight recovery of the property market but may be also as a result in these toughened economic times of buyers wanting to be sure that they are obtaining true value for money and that they are not likely to be exposed to any future problems.
Most major lenders and solicitors do now suggest that their customers obtain an independent survey in addition to a basic mortgage valuation but astonishingly still only about 20% of the people actually commission a survey at a greater level than a mortgage valuation.
At now survey we are very aware that what people are buying from us is peace of mind and an “insurance policy” against defects being present in the property.
Many of our clients have walked away from purchases as a result of information that we have brought to their attention that they wouldn’t otherwise have had, or alternatively are able to negotiate a reduction in the purchase price to take into account defects or problems that are likely to have cost implications moving forward.
By far the vast majority of our clients however are very pleased to find that actually there are no issues with their property and they can proceed with the purchase safe in that knowledge.
For a quote visit our web site - http://www.now-survey.com/
This blog considers the importance of obtaining an independent survey report prior to purchasing a new home.
It would not be unusual when buying a second-hand car to have it thoroughly checked for hidden defects, perhaps by the AA or the RAC or a local mechanic.
The inspection may reveal a great little car that is likely to be good value for money and reliable or it could reveal the exact opposite, a vehicle which appears fine on the surface but upon closer inspection may need a great deal of repair!
Whatever the result the inspection gives the buyer peace of mind that the car that they are buying is in good working order or it enables them to either walk away or negotiate an even better price for the car to take into account the likely cost of any repairs.
Research, however, shows that when it comes to probably our greatest asset, our house, we are less likely to take the same prudent steps.
When purchasing a property most people rely solely on the basic mortgage valuation instructed by and for the mortgage lender.
Research recently conducted by the Bradford and Bingley proves that very often (in 71% of cases), an independent survey saves the client at least the cost of the report in reduction of the purchase price or through the vendor having remedial works carried out prior to exchange of contracts.
now survey has seen a substantial increase over the last few months in the levels of survey instructions, probably as a result of a slight recovery of the property market but may be also as a result in these toughened economic times of buyers wanting to be sure that they are obtaining true value for money and that they are not likely to be exposed to any future problems.
Most major lenders and solicitors do now suggest that their customers obtain an independent survey in addition to a basic mortgage valuation but astonishingly still only about 20% of the people actually commission a survey at a greater level than a mortgage valuation.
At now survey we are very aware that what people are buying from us is peace of mind and an “insurance policy” against defects being present in the property.
Many of our clients have walked away from purchases as a result of information that we have brought to their attention that they wouldn’t otherwise have had, or alternatively are able to negotiate a reduction in the purchase price to take into account defects or problems that are likely to have cost implications moving forward.
By far the vast majority of our clients however are very pleased to find that actually there are no issues with their property and they can proceed with the purchase safe in that knowledge.
For a quote visit our web site - http://www.now-survey.com/
Thursday, 19 November 2009
Air tight buildings - but can they breathe?
The increasing requirement of the Building Regulations for air tight buildings, in particular in compliance with Part L of the Building regulations has seen new problems emerge and issues surrounding “building health”. Often these issues are caused because of lack of care by on site contractors not as a result of inadequate design. Even small failures on site by the builders can result in extensive problems including:
- Rot, damp and decay of timber materials
- Condensation leading to mould growth
- Corrosion and possible intermittent electrical faults
- Health concerns from indoor air quality problems
- Odours & staining
The causes are varied but can include:
- Missing insulation
- Thermal bridging
- Poor detailing resulting in water or air leaks
- Vapour and air barrier issues
- Membrane and water proofing failures
Example: Buildings from Hell TV program
Click here to read an associated newspaper article
Don’t forget the importance of a survey before you buy!
For a quotation go here or call the team on 0845 050 0022.
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
Monday, 16 November 2009
Landlord Forms, Documents, Agreements & Notices - Free Online Resource
Buy to let landlord?
This free online resource provides a selection of forms, notices and other documents commonly needed during the course of tenancies. All are entirely free to download and use.
Other than prescribed forms, and legal forms in required format, letters and forms are generally suggestions and are available in Word format so that they can be edited and personalised to meet your particular circumstances.
Click here to access this free online resource
You can also direct any queries to our property management team - call them on 0845 050 0022
This free online resource provides a selection of forms, notices and other documents commonly needed during the course of tenancies. All are entirely free to download and use.
Other than prescribed forms, and legal forms in required format, letters and forms are generally suggestions and are available in Word format so that they can be edited and personalised to meet your particular circumstances.
Click here to access this free online resource
You can also direct any queries to our property management team - call them on 0845 050 0022
Saturday, 14 November 2009
The potential of the wind
Whilst in the UK wind power remains a largely untapped source (wind supplies only between 1 and 2 per cent of our electrical needs), other European countries already generate as much as 20 per cent of their electricity from wind farms.
This free guide explains the process of fitting a wind turbine to a domestic property or other building to supplement the local electricity supply, and includes:
This free guide explains the process of fitting a wind turbine to a domestic property or other building to supplement the local electricity supply, and includes:
- The key benefits of using a wind turbine
- 6 steps to installing a small wind turbine
- A wind turbine planning pack and site survey form
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
Tell us what you want to know......................
Got a property issue or problem you want us to blog about? Maybe an issue with a property defect or a problem relating to neighbours? Do you want some advice before you market your property or about buying a new home? Property management issue?
Email us here and we’ll respond to you personally and post the query and our reply so others can benefit.
now professional team
info@now-survey.com.
Email us here and we’ll respond to you personally and post the query and our reply so others can benefit.
now professional team
info@now-survey.com.
Updated Guide to Moving House!
As part of our internet and web site updates we have recently updated our FREE Guide to Moving House – get your copy from our website here
now survey team
info@now-survey.com
Friday, 6 November 2009
Welcome to our new blog
Welcome to our new blog. The purpose of the blog is to share our thoughts in relation to property matters and provide items of interest to our clients and others interested in property
We hope that you will be able to come here to find the answers to questions and helpful advice in relation to property issues. These might relate to:
moving house
surveys
commercial property management
residential management
block management,
building a property
property refurbishment.
Or it may be a technical query relating to
rent review
dilapidations,
building regulation
insurance valuations
fire risk assessment
energy performance certificates
If you cannot find what you are looking for please call the team on 0845 050 0022 or email info@now-professional.com
You will also find loads of useful advice on our web sites – see the links at the side
Regards
Dan
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