Booking a home survey is one of the smartest moves you can make when buying a property. But if you’ve never had one before, the process might seem a little mysterious. At Websters Surveyors, we believe in complete transparency—so here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to what actually happens during a home survey, including how we use the latest drone technology …
Damp vs. Condensation: What we’re looking for in a Home Survey
Discovering moisture in a property can be worrying, but not all damp problems are the same. Two of the most common issues we see at Websters Surveyors are damp and condensation. While they might look similar at first glance—peeling paint, mould patches, or a musty smell—the causes, solutions, and risks can be very different. Here’s how to tell them apart …
Leasehold Reform in the Courts: The Latest on Marriage Value, Capitalisation, and Deferment Rates
The landscape of leasehold reform is shifting rapidly, with significant legal challenges currently affecting key proposals—particularly the abolition of marriage value and the government’s plans to set capitalisation and deferment rates. For flat owners, freeholders, and professionals alike, understanding these developments is vital for making informed decisions. What’s at Stake? Current Legal Challenges Both proposals are facing legal challenges in …
How to choose the right Surveyor: 8 Questions to Ask Before you instruct
Choosing a surveyor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when buying, selling, or managing a property. A good surveyor doesn’t just provide a report—they offer peace of mind, confidence, and guidance through what can be a complex process. Here are eight essential questions to ask before you instruct a surveyor, plus why Websters Surveyors stands out in …
How Drone Technology is Transforming Property Surveys
The world of property surveying is evolving rapidly, and one of the most exciting advancements is the use of drone technology. At Websters Surveyors, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this innovation, using drones to deliver safer, more thorough, and efficient surveys for our clients across London and the surrounding areas. What Are Drones Used for in Property …
The Importance of a Good Quality Inheritance Tax Valuation Reports
Dealing with the loss of a loved one is never easy. Alongside the emotional challenges, executors are often faced with the complex responsibility of managing the estate, including the crucial task of inheritance tax (IHT) reporting. One of the most significant steps in this process is obtaining an accurate, high-quality valuation report for any property within the estate. Why Does …
The difference between Level 2 and Level 3 Home Surveys
When purchasing a property, choosing the right type of survey is crucial for peace of mind and financial security. At Websters Surveyors, we’re often asked about the difference between a Level 2 Survey (formerly known as a Homebuyer Report) and a Level 3 Survey (formerly known as a Building Survey). Here’s a clear, accessible guide to help you decide which …
Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024
It’s the 25th of May 2024 and my head is spinning. Like a well known blonde mopped, scruffy politician, I sometimes like to write articles before and against a proposition. It helps me decide which way to campaign and eventually get Brexit (or in this case, Leasehold reform) done. However, unlike Mr B de Pfeffel Johnson, the architect here of …
Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (ATED) deadline of 30th April 2023
Companies with UK residential property with individual assets worth £500,000 or more as of 1st April 2022, have until 30th April 2023 to submit their Valuations to HMRC. Valuations are far more likely to be approved by HMRC if they are undertaken by a firm of Chartered Surveyors, with RICS Registered Valuers, like Websters Surveyors. We provide these valuations across …
Inheritance tax valuations (for probate)
If you’re reading this because your solicitor has suggested you need an Inheritance tax valuation to aid a probate application, then thank you for considering using our service. It is never a pleasant valuation request to make. If you are making a request for a valuation, you’ll want to get it right. A poorly written valuation report can see a …
Monique promoted
This month (January 2022), we promoted our Team administrator Monique Bridgeman to joint Office Manager. Our other joint Office Manager Jess Moss previously held the same the same role prior to her promotion. We are now hiring for a new Team administrator. This promotion follows hot on the heels of the promotion of Elina Kaoula from Principal Surveyor to Associate …
Cladding crisis – what next?
External cladding is a process used by developers which sees an additional building layer of material attached to the elevations of a building. External cladding can be a useful measure to increase a building’s insulation or aesthetic design. However, since the Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017 which claimed 72 lives, tens of thousands of multi-storey, multi-occupancy buildings have been …












