Insights

Hurry! Save money on your Lease before it gets too expensive. Your lease is a depreciating asset It is imperative that you extend your lease before it falls below 80 years, otherwise the cost to do so will increase exponentially. Read more

At this stage we can safely assume that the vibrant market will continue beyond the stamp duty holiday. Any transaction beginning now is highly unlikely to complete by the end of June when the most meaningful savings end and yet the market is still flying. Read more

Diversify your investment portfolio – place crypto currency profits into property, reward yourself with a luxurious home or buy to let investment property. Read more

The new guidance came into effect on 5th April and provides greater clarity as to whether or not an EWS1 form is required. Read more

Arnold & Baldwin has launched an offer of free one-to-one Zoom training sessions with mortgage brokers to educate them about the new RICS Home Survey Standard. Read more

The launch of the Home Survey Standard should encourage more buyers to have more confidence as to the value of the survey and its introduction marks a turning point in terms Read more

The government’s most recent announcement about the steps it is taking to address the cladding scandal delivered a positive headline in the form of £3.5bn of extra funding but has ultimately only succeeded in generating more questions and uncertainty. Read more

Buying a property with an annexe – additional self-contained accommodation – can prove a good way for extended families to realise the benefits of living in the same place, whilst also ensuring that everyone can enjoy their own space. Read more

As part of the reforms, the government says that millions of leaseholders would be given a new right to extend their lease by 990 years, could save thousands of pounds, and the elderly would be protected by the abolition of ground rents on all new retirement properties. Read more

In the second half of 2020, when the market was crazily busy, everyone in the property industry made hay while they could, uncertain of how long this activity would last. However, since then the Brexit deal has been secured, vaccinations have been approved and are being rolled out at pace. Read more

We are very pleased to announce that our Managing Director, Joe Arnold, recently won the award for Best Business Leader – Surveyor in the British Specialist Lending Awards. Read more

It's business as usual as it can be at the moment. People continue to be driven to move home, motivated by personal and lifestyle reasons and there is still no sign of this activity softening. Read more

The reason is that we think genuine partnerships can provide so much more than just a revenue stream. By establishing long lasting relationships with other businesses, you can also strengthen relationships with your own clients. Read more

It’s very difficult to describe the property market at the moment. The level of activity is crazy, with brokers and banks reporting record business levels. Read more

The property market started the year on a positive footing. It was busy before lockdown and returned with a surge in May and June. The announcement of the Stamp Duty holiday in July simply turbo-charged this activity. Read more

A few months ago, when we were in lockdown and there was a lot of speculation about what it meant for the housing market, I said the market was just on pause. Using the same analogy, it’s now on fast forward. Read more

One approach that should help is to de-couple any home survey that is requested by your client from the valuation that is required for the mortgage finance. If you submit a mortgage application requesting just a standard valuation without a property inspection, then there is a greater chance of this valuation being carried out remotely without a surveyor needing to visit the property. Read more

Arnold & Baldwin has launched a range of remote valuation options for lenders, in conjunction with Property Risk Inspection Ltd, enabling them to lend more confidently at higher LTVs, on larger loan sizes, and on complex buy to let mortgages, including HMOs. Read more

Mortgage Solutions recently ran a story based on a poll that revealed broker frustrations when it came to challenging a valuation. According to the poll, more than half of brokers who challenged a property valuation were not successful in doing so, while 17 per cent had not attempted to dispute a surveyor’s decision. Read more

Arnold & Baldwin has launched a range of remote valuation options for lenders, in conjunction with Property Risk Inspection Ltd, enabling them to lend more confidently at higher LTVs, on larger loan sizes, and on complex buy to let mortgages, including HMOs. Read more

April Property Market Pulse – It's not easy to pen a market update in a climate where many of our peers, colleagues, inter-profession business contacts, friends and even family members are facing difficult times. Indeed, one might question the madness and call out “There is no market! What are you talking about?!”. Read more

Remote Home & Property Valuations During COVID-10 (Coronavirus) – We understand that many homebuyers and remortgagors are keen to proceed with transactions in the current environment, where lockdown measures mean that it is often impossible for surveyors to visit a property in person. Read more

This article is in regards to survey's we are completing properties for your potential purchaser. Our surveyors are honest, approachable experts following all government guidance regarding the situation with COVID-19. Please see Government Guidance we are following to inspect your home (page 4): Work carried out in people’s homes. Read more

You know that feeling when you are at home self-isolating, binge watching a boxset and you receive a work call so you have to hurriedly hit the pause button to take the call – this is essentially, in my view, what is going to happen to the residential property market. It will be on pause – no supply and no demand. Read more

COVID 19 – The practicalities of a lockdown mean that surveyors are unable to carry out physical valuations and the government has actually urged people not to move house in the current environment. So, how is the situation impacting valuations now, and what might we expect in the future? Read more

Given the unknown future impact that COVID-19 might have on the real estate market, surveyors will also recommend that the value of a property is kept under frequent review. Read more

Online Virtual walkthroughs to help in both the property viewing and sales process, for those concerned about the Coronavirus. (COVID-19) Read more

Alongside the key industry headlines, we will also take a look at the darker side of the house price increase, new lender products aimed at giving a green boost and our usual overview of movers and shakers in the market. Read more

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has taken the House of Commons and indeed the world by storm in his debut Budget and announced a £30 billion pound commitment to support the economy during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak straight out of the gate. Read more

Given our business growth there has truly never been a more exciting time to join our forward thinking, client focused business offering real potential for career development within a friendly and supportive team. Read more

We are now on the search for an experienced Residential Building Surveyor to join our innovative firm of Chartered. There has truly never been a more exciting time to join our forward thinking, client focused business offering real potential for career development within a friendly and supportive team. Read more

HMOs have traditionally been considered as commercial lending on a residential property, but as more specialist lenders have created dedicated products, HMOs have become a specific asset class. Read more

Joe Arnold, Managing Director is named as Finalist In British Specialist Lending Awards: Celebrating the exceptional efforts of the best performing individuals in the specialist sector of the UK mortgage industry. Read more

February is finally here and as we enter the Brexit transition period, the general feeling, believe it or not – is one of relief, excitement and optimism. It seems the message is loud and clear: It’s busy out there! Read more

How To Make A Successful Offer Without Paying The Most Money. Confidence has returned to the housing market. According to property website Rightmove, the number of visits to the site surpassed 150 million for the first time in January, Read more

Finding ways of reducing the number of Reservation Agreement failed transactions which can cost consumers hundreds of millions a year. Read more

RICS ensures its standards are upheld by the profession through close regulation and, by working to these high standards, professional members and RICS regulated firms are able to deliver their customers confidence and transparency. Read more

In this issue of Property Market Pulse, we will take a look at what happened in the residential market in November & December 2019, the expert predictions for the coming year, and the usual guidance updates and interesting news articles. Read more

We are a modern, professional & friendly firm of Chartered Surveyors. Our proven success is driven through forging excellent relationships with our clients and delivering a top quality service every time. Read more

Property experts have agreed that the landslide Conservative victory in the General Election will provide a boost to the property market in 2020, so is now the time to buy property in London? Read more

There is still a huge amount of confusion and frustration with homeowners living in other high-rise blocks across the country with similar cladding to that used on Grenfell, about how this might impact the value of their property. Read more

The new RICS Home Survey Standard will improve the accessibility and quality of information that homebuyers receive when they commission a property survey. Read more

Arnold & Baldwin have been working alongside industry leaders and the RICS to develop the newly released Home Survey Standard which is designed to make Homebuyer Reports more accessible and consistent across the profession. Read more

Are you buying a new home? Here's a very quick infographic that will help you decide which property, home or building survey is right for you Read more

On the 29th April this year, RICS launched an industry and consumer consultation on proposals for a new Home Survey Standard. Read more

Arnold & Baldwin has organised a charity day to support the work of Their Voice, which has been established to help victims of modern slavery. Read more

It’s impossible to know what might happen in the result of a no deal Brexit – nobody knows. But even if the market is adversely affected, there will opportunities for businesses. Read more

At Arnold & Baldwin we have formed a partnership with the charity, Their Voice, which empowers survivors of modern slavery, offering practical necessities and support for people who have escaped enslavement. Read more

Arnold & Baldwin has partnered with the charity, Their Voice, to help victims of modern slavery. The Global Slavery Index in 2016 estimated there were 136,000 people living in Slavery within the UK, with sexual exploitation being the highest reported form of slavery. Read more

I’ve thought for a long time that Stamp Duty is stifling the market, particularly at the top end and for investors. The additional 3% for secondary properties removes a tranche of buyers from the market and, while this may make more properties available to first-time buyers, it could ultimately be to their detriment. Read more

Arnold & Baldwin has launched a series of CPD seminars to help estate agents establish greater knowledge and confidence when it comes the surveying process. Read more

Chatting to Joe Arnold, Managing director of Arnold and Baldwin all about RICS Read more

Arnold & Baldwin has launched a series of CPD seminars to help brokers establish greater knowledge and confidence when it comes the surveying process. Read more

The BBC One programme had highlighted two case studies where homebuyers were presented with inadequate information by their surveyors, partly because they didn’t understand the level of information included in the survey they had purchased. Read more

Lenders are increasingly deferring to Automated Valuation Models (AVMs), and often don’t even offer buyers the opportunity to upgrade to a physical inspection of the property. Read more

The Chartered Surveyor is delivering the seminars free of charge to educate conveyancers about different types of survey and how to interpret them, local properties and their most common defects, how to properly prep clients and how a well-managed survey leads to a successful deal. Read more

The world’s leading insurance market, Lloyd’s, has recently undertaken a big review of professional indemnity (PI) cover across all industries. Read more

Fire safety experts have told 5 Live Investigates that many of the 1,700 buildings in England are 'likely to fail' a new round of tests into cladding and building materials. Read more

There are many elements of the home buying process that could benefit from greater automation, but the rise of automated valuation models (AVMs) is an area where we should perhaps be concerned. Read more

The Chartered Surveyor has launched a programme of hiring high achievers at a junior level from other industries and providing them with comprehensive technical training alongside experienced chartered surveyors as a way of introducing new skillsets into the business. Read more

At Arnold & Baldwin, we recently had our latest audit, which analysed our reports, policies and procedures, and we are pleased to confirm that we passed with flying colours Read more

BBC One Rip Off Britain highlights Importance of new rics consultation Read more

A mortgage valuation is for the protection of the lender, not the borrower and the type of valuation undertaken therefore depends on that lender’s risk appetite and commercial demands Read more

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has recently announced a consultation into proposed improvements to the way that home surveys are carried out and communicated. Read more

Arnold & Baldwin urge the mortgage industry to share their views as part of the RICS consultation into new home survey standards. Read more

The Law Commission has recently closed a consultation on its proposals for the reform of leasehold enfranchisement. Here’s a summary of some of the key proposals and what they could mean for you. Read more

There is still no certainty to the future following another critical week for Brexit, but perhaps the extension offered by the 27 EU leaders does at least provide some clarity as to which way the wind is blowing. Read more

The Law Commission has recently closed a consultation on its proposals for the reform of leasehold enfranchisement and is aiming to publish its final report and assist with the implementation of its recommendations later this year. So, what changes can we expect? Read more

For most landlords it is unlikely to cause any concern, but it’s worth landlords being proactive to ensure their properties comply with the regulations as they could otherwise find themselves forced to carry out improvements, be subject to compensation claims, or even sued for damages. Read more

A snagging list survey is an inspection of a new build home that can identify problems and defects with the property. Read more

Increasing competition between mortgage lenders could lead to solicitors leaving their clients exposed when conducting their conveyancing, so what do you need to know about your changing role in advising on property surveys? Read more

You can’t control the market, buy you can control your interaction with it, so in this slow-moving environment, remember to put even greater emphasis on the accuracy of your instructions. It could ultimately impact your bottom line. Read more

Find out why brokers have called into question how there can often be a disparity between two different valuations on the same property. Read more

Meet our new Director, Alistair White. Welcome to the Arnold & Baldwin Croydon Head Office! Read more

Hello and welcome to A&B's January Monthly Market Insight, bringing you the latest residential market data and industry news in one place. Read more

A snagging list survey could provide your clients with the peace of mind that they are purchasing a property armed with the right information, rather than a sour taste that their new home does not meet the standards they were expecting. Read more

New Build Snagging lists: There are many advantages to buying a new build home and it can be reassuring to move into a property that has a new roof and windows, modern kitchen and bathroom. But just because a property is new, it doesn’t mean that it’s without fault. Read more

Whether you’re looking for full time or part time work, an opportunity to set up your own business or become an employee of Arnold & Baldwin, we want to hear from you! Read more

The combined impact of an extra 3% Stamp Duty Land Tax and income tax changes, which will soon hit landlords’ pockets, mean that your clients are looking for more creative ways to increase their returns on a property investment. Read more

You have decided to protect your investment with a physical inspection of the property, but how do you choose a surveyor? Here are some questions for you ask your surveyor to help make your decision. Read more

Benefits of a thorough survey. He chats to Joe Arnold, Managing Director of Arnold & Baldwin about some of the misconceptions around surveys and valuations. Read more

Whatever the outcome of Brexit, there is little doubt that the current political uncertainty is contributing towards a subdued property market Read more

Leasehold properties are coming under increasing scrutiny and a recent report from NAEA Propertymark found that 94% of leasehold homeowners regret buying a leasehold property. Read more

Nearly six in 10 leaseholders did not understand what it meant when they were buying their property, according to a report by NAEA Propertymark. The same report says that nearly half of leasehold homeowners were also unaware of escalating ground rent. Read more

Professional advice when it comes to financing their property investment Read more

The size of a home can often make the difference in what a buyer or tenant will pay for it and yet many companies measure the size of home differently, depending on the standard adopted and the measured areas included. Read more

In the UK and many other countries houses are expensive, very expensive, prices have been rising consistently for many decades. In England, prices rose by 4255% between 1971 and 2011. Read more

Hello and welcome to A&B's November Monthly Market Insight, bringing you the latest residential market data and industry news in one place. Read more

Hints, tips & steps you’ll go through during the home moving process. Arnold & Baldwin will be with you every step of the way when purchasing your home. Read more

Lloyds Banking Group announced they'll be closing their Colleys surveying operation. A business established nearly 20 years ago, instructed nearly half a million valuations a year and maintained its open for business mentality, professionalism and integrity. Read more

I was undertaking a Building Survey on a 3-bed semi-detached house in South London and, when I turned the key in the door I suddenly felt my chest tighten and became short of breath. Read more

Hello and welcome to our September Monthly Market Insight, bringing you the latest residential market data and industry news in one place. Read more

Buying a home can be expensive, as costs add up, it can be tempting to cut corners. So when you're offered to pay little extra, for a more comprehensive survey, the cheaper option may seem more attractive. Read more

Throughout history, the bearer of bad news has been met with a frosty reception and the phrase ‘don’t shoot the messenger’ has its roots in a number of anecdotal tales of military generals being so disgusted with the news they have received that they have literally shot the messenger Read more

Staying in tune with the market can help you to spot where a property has been over-valued by an estate agent ahead of submitting an application. Read more

The valuation is one of the most crucial elements of a transaction for your clients as it’s so important they protect their investment and establish an accurate understanding of the value of the property they are buying. Read more

Ever wanted to ask a chartered surveyor brutally honest questions? A Coreco Group Specialist Finance Partner, has taken the opportunity to put his questions to Joe Arnold, Managing Director at Arnold & Baldwin. Read more

The ‘red book’ is a guidance document, commonly known as the RICS Valuation Global Standards. The purpose is to make sure that there is no ambiguity in what is being valued, for what purpose and on what basis, either now or in the future. Read more

The much-heralded Base Rate rise from the Bank of England finally arrived at the start of the month, with the Monetary Policy Committee voting unanimously for a 0.25% increase to 0.75% - but this wasn’t the only notable movement. Read more

8 reasons why you need a home, building or property survey when purchasing – On average, people spend around £5,000 on their home within the first 12 months putting things right, and some end up spending an awful lot more. – Instruct us today to carry out your RICs Survey Read more

Hello and welcome to our July Monthly Market Insight, bringing you the latest residential market data and industry news in one place. Read more

Hello and welcome to our June Monthly Market Insight, probing between the World Cup headlines to bring you the latest residential market data and industry news in one place. Read more

Hello and welcome to our March 2018 Monthly Residential Market Insight, with the latest residential market data and industry news in one place. Read more

Hello and welcome to our February 2018 Monthly Residential Market Insight, with the latest residential market data and industry news in one place. Read more

Hello and welcome to our January 2018 Monthly Residential Market Insight, with the latest residential market data and industry news in one place. Read more

We present a brief round-up of market performance and news from 2017, Including this years industry predictions. Read more

Hello and welcome to our December Monthly Residential Market Insight, bringing you the latest residential market data and industry news in one place. Read more

Hints & tips to get your home winter-ready: Homes, buildings and properties are subject to extremes of cold & wet from the outside & the warm moist effects from activity on the inside. Read more

Arnold & Baldwin's first Monthly Residential Market Insights, bringing you the latest residential market data and industry news in one place. Read more

In response to Government consultation, here is how to make the house sale and purchase process easy with a unique property reference number. Read more

Qualifying leaseholders are entitled to purchase the freehold as long as there are 50% or more qualifying tenants participating in the enfranchisement claim. Read more

First or tenth time of moving? Our moving home checklist will equip you with the necessary tools to stay one step ahead! Read more

I'm unsure which property survey I need? RICS HomeBuyer Report? RICS Building survey (Structural survey), Condition report? Or a snagging list survey? Read more

Japanese Knotweed can effect you when buying or selling your home and can reduce the value of your property. Here's how to identify Japanese Knotweed Read more

All building structures experience movement and most buildings develop cracks in their fabric at some stage. Only rarely does cracking indicate serious structural failure. Read more

Everything you need to know about lease extensions and how the process works. Arnold and Baldwins building experts divulge all. Read more