By Dan Knowles FRICS, Director and Registered Valuer, Websters Surveyors Your survey has come back, it isn’t all clean, and you’re staring at a list of issues wondering whether to renegotiate, fix things, or walk away. First, don’t panic. Almost no home is perfect, and a survey full of observations is normal, not a disaster. The job now is to …
Damp vs. Condensation: What we’re looking for in a Home Survey
Damp and condensation can look identical on a wall — the same peeling paint, the same black mould, the same musty smell — but they are two different problems with two different fixes. Condensation is moisture from inside the home settling on cold surfaces, usually solved by better ventilation. Damp is water getting in from outside or the ground, which …
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
A growing number of home surveys now include a drone inspection of the roof and other high-level areas, and at the better end of the profession it’s becoming standard rather than a gimmick. A drone lets a surveyor see the parts of a property that matter most and are hardest to reach: the roof slopes, chimney, gutters, flat roofs and …
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 …
Which Home Survey Do I Need? RICS Level 2 vs Level 3 Explained
Most buyers of a conventional, reasonably modern home in good order need a RICS Level 2 survey. If the property is older, has been extended or altered, is built in an unusual way, or shows visible signs of problems, you need a RICS Level 3 survey. Those two sentences cover roughly 90% of decisions. The rest of this guide explains …
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 …








