Author Archives: Mike
Don’t Delay, Extend Your Lease Today
“Doing nothing is not an option if you want to protect your home”. This excellent article by John Greenwood appeared in the Daily Telegraph on 5th February. We agree completely with its advice that homeowners take prompt action to protect … Continue reading
Party Walls
Party walls are in the news – again, and it is important that they remain prominent in the public eye as
Absent freeholders can pose problems for flat owners
Flat owners who have absent freeholders might rejoice that they do not have to pay service charges or ground rent because there is no one to invoice these charges.
Are Freeholders Fair, or are they Bullies?
Flat owners, who own flats controlled by large, publicly quoted companies, may find that to obtain their right to demand an extension to their lease of 90 years and have all ground rents reduced to “nil” can be a frightening, … Continue reading
RICS Residential Road Show 2011
Held on 27 June 2011 in London Revisions to the RICS Redbook, which details valuation standards to be adopted by all RICS registered valuers, were reviewed in detail.
RICS Building Surveyors Technical Update
Held on 13 June 2011 in Cambridge. Recent updates to Building Regulations and the latest advances for controlling and managing dampness affecting buildings were discussed in detail.
Key Issues Clarified for Party Wall Professionals
At a recent workshop on party walls run by the Surrey branch of the Pyramus &Thisbe Club, some key issues were clarified for surveyors. We began by acknowledging two principles that are fundamental to our work. Firstly, that every appointed … Continue reading
RICS Expert Witness Conference. Witnesses Lose Immunity
This well attended conference was given an overview of landmark case Jones v Kaney by Mr Patrick Lawrence QC. For the past 400 years expert witnesses have enjoyed immunity from suit for breach of duty, whether in contract or in … Continue reading
Leasehold Enfranchisement. Do Business Tenants Of Houses Qualify?
What effect does a business tenancy have on the definition of a house in regard to claims for enfranchisement under the ’67 Act? Senior partner Damien Greenish led discussion on this subject at a workshop hosted by leasehold enfranchisement experts … Continue reading
ALEP Spring Conference. Case Reviews. The Meaning Of ‘Development Value’.
An enlightening review of enfranchisement cases came from Mr Antony Radevesky of Falcon Chambers at the Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners conference. The case of Hillmy vs HembridgeVillas[2010 1WLR2750] emphasises the importance of correct signatures on notice of claim to … Continue reading
