
9 key questions you need to ask when buying a house
Most sellers are above board, but it makes sense to be aware of tactics that we have seen be used to trick those who are not used to critically assessing properties.

What are RICS valuations: what you need to know about valuing your home
The chances are that at some point you will find yourself in a situation where a valuation is needed to move forward with your property plans.

Bromsgrove Help to Buy houses are the most expensive in the Midlands
Our Bromsgrove Help to Buy valuation clients have had to make more of a leap to get onto the housing ladder than most. Help to Buy properties in the town are a massive £116.5K more than the average across the West Midlands county.

On the Ladder: sealed bids and strong competition in central Bristol
On the Ladder is our blog series that looks at at real-life property moves. Kicking off 2020, we hear from a couple who, despite having to offer over the odds to win a sealed bid in the competitive Bristol market, managed to save £20,000 after getting a survey on their first home together

Drainage Solutions to Keep Your Home Dry
Damp is a common problem for many homeowners. It can be costly to fix and to repair the cosmetic damage caused. Not only that, but having a damp problem can also devalue your home and put off potential buyers or renters. There are steps you can take to prevent damp, or to minimise the impact if damp has already occurred.

Getting festive with Forbes: Tim Allcott talks Christmas party plans
Christmas party season is nearly upon us. Nevertheless, getting everyone into the festive spirit can be tricky for companies like ours that have remote workers spread across the country. Fortunately, the team at Allcott Associates is up for the challenge.

Help to Buy valuations: working like a dog!
It can be lonely when you’re out on the road all day. Happily, one of our valuations surveyors, Kerry, has found an ideal solution. Since the arrival of her new pup Stanley, Kerry has had plenty of company when out and about on RICS valuations in the Birmingham area.

Preparing your home for winter: maintenance tips for cold weather
Avoid frozen pipes and mould growth by following our winter checklist. Find out how to get your home ready for the cold weather. What temperature should you house be? How should you insulate? What can you do to prevent damage?

High-level inspection finds “swimming pool” where flat roof used to be
It might have been wet recently, but flat roofs should not look like this.

The new RICS Home Survey Standard: what it means for anyone getting a survey
Yesterday, the RICS published new rules and guidance on home surveys, which will come into effect in June next year. Known as the RICS Home Survey Standard, the document sets out mandatory steps and standards that surveyors must stick to when carrying out home surveys.