Insights

Arnold & Baldwin launches free zoom training sessions
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

New Home Survey standard comes with new responsibilities
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

Cladding: A two tier system with more questions than answers
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

The benefits of buying a home with an annexe
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

What do the government plans on leasehold reforms mean for you?
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

Looking Ahead with Certainty and Confidence
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

Arnold & Baldwin MD wins big national award
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

Business as usual, as it can be…
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

Stronger together: Why partnerships will be crucial for your business
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

Two week delays common for valuations so plan ahead
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

How can you make the most of the current property boom?
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

Expert Insights: A surveyor’s view of the current property market
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

Beat Delays by De-coupling the Mortgage Valuation and the Property Survey
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 Launches Menu of Options for Remote Valuations
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

Brokers Will Benefit From Engaging With Surveyors
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

Launching a menu of options for Remote Valuations
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

Arnold & Baldwin | Property Market Pulse April 2020
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

A Guide To Remote (Desktop) Property Valuations
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

Arnold & Baldwin Control Measures for Completing your Property Survey
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

How is the coronavirus impacting the housing market
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

How is Covid 19 Impacting Mortgage Valuations
COVID 10 – 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

What are surveyors doing to respond to Coronavirus?
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 Home & Property Walkthroughs
Online Virtual walkthroughs to help in both the property viewing and sales process, for those concerned about the Coronavirus. (COVID-19) Read more

Property Market Pulse
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

Budget Alert 2020
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

Leasehold Reform & Freehold Enfranchisement Surveyor
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

Residential Building Surveyor
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

How Does Your Lender Value Hmos?
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 **Finalist** British Specialist Lending Awards
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

Property Market Pulse
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

Buying a home? How to make a Successful Offer
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

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

What and who are RICs and why does it matter?
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

Property Market Pulse
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

Why choose Arnold & Baldwin over other Chartered Surveyors?
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

Is 2020 The Time To Buy in London
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

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 New Home Survey Standard
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

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 build Home doesn't mean faultless
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

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 unique property 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