Insights

Cross Industry Collaboration Breaks Cladding Deadlock
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

RICS Home Survey Standard
The new RICS Home Survey Standard will improve the accessibility and quality of information that homebuyers receive when they commission a survey and so should encourage more buyers to have more confidence as to the value of the survey. Read more

Property Market Pulse
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

Which survey is right for my property?
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

Introducing A New Standard For Surveying Professionals
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 Organises Charity Day For Their Voice
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

What preparations should financial services businesses be making for a No Deal Brexit?
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

What can you do to uncover cases of modern slavery?
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 launches campaign to help victims of modern slavery
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

What changes to stamp duty would benefit the housing market?
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 launches CPD seminars for estate agents
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

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

Arnold & Baldwin Launches CPD seminars for Brokers
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

EASY AS 1, 2, 3?
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

Could a survey help your client to secure a better rate?
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

Arnold & Baldwin Launches CPD seminars for conveyances
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

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

BBC 5 Live Investigates Grenfell Tower
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

Are AVMs Putting Your Clients At Risk?
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

Arnold & Baldwin launches surveyor academy
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

Arnold & Baldwin passes latest RICS audit
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

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

Are AVMS putting your clients at risk?
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

Inside Story : Behind the scenes of a RICS working group
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

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

Leasehold Reforms and the expected changes
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

What could the latest Brexit developments mean for the property market?
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 Arnold & Baldwin guide to leasehold reforms
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

Are your client's properties fit for human habitation?
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

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

In The Know : Property Surveys and The Changing Role of Solicitors
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

Accuracy Is Key In A Slow Market
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

Lender valuations – what you need to know
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

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

Monthly Market Report - January 2019
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

New build peace of mind for your clients
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 doesn't mean faultless
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

Arnold & Baldwin Chartered Surveyors are coming to a town near you in 2019!
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

Mitigate the risk of a refurbishment investment
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

Questions to ask your surveyor
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

A Fresh Perspective On Valuations
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

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

In the know: Leasehold Property
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

In The Know: working with short leases and high ground rent
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

The Importance of Involving a Surveyor in Property Investment
Professional advice when it comes to financing their property investment Read more

The size of RICS Measurement Matters
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

One Reason Homes Cost So Much
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

Monthly Market Report – November 2018
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

Buying a new home?
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

Goodbye Colleys
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

Property inspection that turned spooky!
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

Monthly Market Report – September 2018
Hello and welcome to our September Monthly Market Insight, bringing you the latest residential market data and industry news in one place. Read more

Dream home or worst nightmare?
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

Don't shoot the messenger, involve them
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

£1M+ properties continue to thrive despite regional divide
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 sparring between prices and realistic values continues
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

What's it like being the most hated people in the industry?
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

A guide to red book valuations
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

Monthly Market Report – August 2018
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

Why you need a home, property or building survey
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

MONTHLY MARKET REPORT – JULY 2018
Hello and welcome to our July Monthly Market Insight, bringing you the latest residential market data and industry news in one place. Read more

Monthly market report - June 2018
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

Monthly Market Report - March 2018
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

Monthly Market Report – February 2018
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

Monthly residential market insight – January 2018
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

New Year intro insight – January 2018
We present a brief round-up of market performance and news from 2017, Including this years industry predictions. Read more

Residential Market Insight – December 2017
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

Is your home or property winter ready?
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

Residential Market Insight – November 2017
Arnold & Baldwin's first Monthly Residential Market Insights, bringing you the latest residential market data and industry news in one place. Read more

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

Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993
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

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

Choosing the right property survey
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

How to identify Japanese Knotweed
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

Why Building Structures experience movement
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

What is the Lease Extension Process?
Everything you need to know about lease extensions and how the process works. Arnold and Baldwins building experts divulge all. Read more