Chris Bloor MRICS

72 articles

• Chimney Breast Removal: What Buyers and Surveyors Check

  What chimney breast removal involves, why the stack above needs support, the correct process, costs, and what to check if a home already has one removed.

• Court of Protection Valuation: A Deputy's Guide

  What a Court of Protection valuation is, why deputies need one, and how the RICS report supports your duty to account to the Office of the Public Guardian.

• Plants Mistaken for Japanese Knotweed

  Several common garden plants look like Japanese knotweed but are harmless. Here is how to tell the difference, and when to get a specialist to be sure.

• Property Valuation for Probate: What HMRC Expects

  What a property valuation for probate is, when HMRC needs a formal RICS figure rather than an agent estimate, and the risks of getting the number wrong.

• Dampness Survey Cost: What You Pay and What You Get

  What a dampness survey typically costs, what drives the fee, what it should include, and when a damp investigation is worth commissioning.

• What Does a Capital Gains Tax Valuation Involve?

  What a Capital Gains Tax valuation is, when HMRC expects one, and what an RICS surveyor assesses to establish market value at a given date.

• A Bad House Survey Report: What To Do Next

  A bad house survey report is information, not a dead end. Here is how to read it, get quotes, and use the findings to renegotiate or walk away.

• Asbestos Demolition Survey and Management Survey: What You Need

  What an asbestos management survey is, how it differs from an asbestos refurbishment and demolition survey, and how it fits alongside a RICS Home Survey when buying.

• Measured Building Survey: What It Records, When You Need One and Cost

  What a measured building survey records, how it differs from a condition survey, measured building survey cost, and the drawings you receive at the end.

• Exchange and Completion Explained: A Buyer's Guide

  Exchange makes the deal legally binding and completion hands you the keys. Here is what happens between them and what to have in place first.

• What a "Structural Survey" Actually Is

  A structural survey, a full structural survey and a building survey are all old names for the RICS Home Survey Level 3, with one exception that costs buyers money when they get it wrong.

• Wet Rot and Dry Rot: Signs and Treatment

  Most rot found in houses is wet rot, and most wet rot is a localised, repairable problem. How to tell wet rot from dry rot, what dry rot treatment involves, and whether to buy.

• Who organises a survey when buying a house

  Wondering who organises a survey when buying a house? A RICS surveyor explains it is the buyer's job, not the agent's or lender's, plus when to book and which level to choose.

• Do I Need a House Buying Survey?

  A RICS surveyor explains whether you need a house buying survey, why a mortgage valuation is not enough, and how to choose between Level 2 and Level 3.

• The Legal Process of Buying a House: A Plain-English Guide

  A plain-English guide to the legal process of buying a house, including buying and selling at once, choosing a solicitor, and new build pitfalls.

• Risks of Buying a House Without a Survey

  Buying without a survey might seem like a way to save money, but it can leave you exposed to significant costs and problems you had no way of seeing coming.

• Survey vs Mortgage Valuation: What's the Difference?

  A mortgage valuation and a property survey are not the same thing. Here's what each covers, who it protects, and what buyers need to know before committing.

• New Build Snagging Survey: What It Is and What to Do Instead Before You Buy

  A new build snagging survey checks a newly completed home for defects before or after you move in. Here’s what it covers, what it typically finds, and what independent survey option makes more sense if you’re buying.

• RICS Condition Ratings Explained

  Your RICS survey report gives every element a Condition Rating of 1, 2, 3 or NI. Here’s what each one means and what to do when you see it.

• Seller’s Surveys: Complete Guide and What They Mean for Homebuyers

  Buying a home in England and Wales could soon look very different.

• Complete Guide to RICS Valuations

  Table of Contents Trust me, I’m a RICS Registered Valuer! Hi, I’m Chris Bloor, founder of CJ Bloor Property Consultants.

• Raising the Standard: Why UK Home Surveys Need to Change

  Across the UK property sector, the quality of home surveys varies dramatically—and for many buyers, that inconsistency leads to frustration, confusion, and in some cases, a complete loss of confidence.

• Pitched Roof Coverings

  Common Defects on Pitched Roof Coverings Pitched roofs are a defining feature of UK homes, offering charm and robust protection against the elements.

• Do You Need a Valuation with Your Survey?

  Do You Need a Valuation with Your Survey? When booking a home survey, it’s natural to wonder whether you should also request a valuation.

• Complete Guide to RICS Home Surveys

  Table of Contents Trust me, I’m a Surveyor! Hi, I’m Chris Bloor, founder of CJ Bloor Property Consultants.

• Flat Roofs

  A plain guide to flat roofs on UK homes: the materials, the common defects, when repair is enough and when a flat roof replacement is due.

• Subsidence

  Recognising subsidence: the word every buyer dreads. What it actually is, how to tell it from settlement, and what happens next if a survey finds it.

• Cavity Wall Tie Failure

  Cavity wall tie failure is concealed, gradual and common in a band of 1920s to 1970s housing. Here is how a surveyor spots it, how it is confirmed and what repair involves.

• 5 Ways Your Survey Report Helps Long After You Move In

  Most people see a home survey as a pre-purchase tool. But your report doesn’t stop being useful the moment you get the keys. In fact, many of our clients say it becomes their go-to reference point for years to come.

• 10 Red Flags on a House Survey You Might Miss on a Viewing

  When viewing a property, it is easy to be swept up by its charm. A fresh coat of paint and clever staging can hide problems a survey brings to light.

• Settlement

  What settlement is, how settlements differ from subsidence, and how to tell a cosmetic crack from one that needs investigating before you buy.

• Japanese Knotweed

  What Japanese knotweed is, how to identify it, the plants it gets confused with, and your options for removal and remediation.

• Pest Infestations in Buildings: Causes, Signs and Prevention

  What a pest infestation does to a building, how to spot one early, and the practical steps that keep rats, insects and birds out.

• Understanding Different Types of House Surveys

  A plain guide to the house survey types in the UK: what Level 1, 2 and 3 cover, and how to choose the right one for the property you are buying.

• How to Choose the Right Firm for Your Home Survey

  Selecting the right firm for your home survey is important to ensure you receive a detailed, high-quality report that gives you complete confidence in your property purchase.

• Level 2 vs Level 3 Survey: Which Do You Need?

  Not sure whether you need a Level 2 or Level 3 survey? We explain the difference and help you choose the right survey for your property.

• Types of Damp

  An RICS surveyor explains the three types of damp in houses, how to tell them apart, and when the standard remedy is the wrong one.

• Asbestos

  Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral, once hailed for its resistance to heat, electricity, and corrosion. For this reason it was used extensively in building materials, insulation, and various other products.

• Spray Foam Insulation

  There has been increasing attention into the use of spray foam insulation in recent months, as many people are looking for effective ways to keep their homes warm and save money on bills.

• The most affordable places to buy a home in the UK

  Table of Contents In the current housing market, finding a home that fits within a budget has become increasingly challenging, especially in cities where property prices continue to surge.

• Help to Buy Valuation Cost

  What a RICS Help to Buy valuation costs, what affects the price, and why an independent RICS surveyor is required before you repay or sell.

• House Price Changes: Recent data shows that average house prices rose by 0.2% in June 2024

  Understanding Recent Changes in House Prices: June 2024 Analysis The UK housing market has long been a topic of interest for homeowners, potential buyers, investors, and professionals in the property and construction industry.

• The Future of London’s Built Environment with AI Integration

  Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising numerous industries, and real estate is no exception.

• How to Navigate the Sale of Your Help to Buy Home

  Selling a Help to Buy home can be a daunting task, especially with the various rules and regulations attached to this government scheme. However, with careful planning and understanding of the process, it is entirely manageable.

• Labour plans to immediately abolish Section 21 “no fault” evictions

  Labour’s Pledge to Abolish Section 21 “No Fault” Evictions: Implications for Tenants and Landlords The UK rental market is set for a significant overhaul as the Labour Party has pledged to abolish Section 21 “no fault” evictions.

• The Help to Buy Scheme Explained

  The Help to Buy scheme explained in plain terms: how the equity loan worked, who qualified, the application steps and what repaying it means when you sell.

• Foundation Movement: Understanding and Mitigating Risks

  Understanding Foundation Movement and Mitigating Risks Foundation movement is a significant concern for homeowners, builders, and property consultants.

• Soil Types and Their Impact on Foundation Design

  Understanding the Impact of Soil Types on Foundation Design in the UK When it comes to constructing a building, one of the most critical aspects to consider is the type of soil on which the structure will be built.

• UK Property Market Shifts to Buyer’s Market

  Shift Towards a Buyer’s Market: What It Means for UK Homebuyers and Investors After a prolonged period of rapid price growth, the UK property market is now showing signs of transitioning into a buyer’s market.

• Understanding Different Types of Foundations in Traditional UK Homes

  A RICS surveyor on the different types of foundations in UK homes: strip, raft, pile and pad, and what a survey reveals about which one you have.

• Should surveyors share survey findings publicly?

  Two of the key responsibilities of surveyors are to adhere to professional standards, and provide accurate, trustworthy and expert-led reports.

• The Secret Art of Property Negotiation

  Navigating property negotiations, especially when dealing with estate agents, requires skill and understanding. This article provides insights into the key principles of negotiation tailored to home buying.

• Energy Efficiency Home Tips: Enhance Your Property’s Performance

  In the age of increasing energy costs and growing concerns about our environmental footprint, making your home more energy-efficient is not only a savvy financial move but also a responsible one.

• How To Renegotiate An Offer After A Home Survey

  For most people, buying a house is the most significant financial move they will make. When you are spending a lot of money on a property, it is natural to want to know if it’s up to scratch.

• Should I Use an Online Estate Agent?

  Buying or selling a property are usually big moments, so it’s only natural to look at your options when it comes to working with estate agents.

• What are the Pros and Cons of the Help to Buy Scheme?

  The pros and cons of Help to Buy, from lower deposits and equity loans to the risk of negative equity and why the repayment matters.

• What Can You Do After a Negative Home Survey?

  A building survey is an assessment, which is carried out to provide prospective buyers with an insight into the condition of a property they’re hoping to purchase.

• Things to Consider When Buying a House

  The main things to consider when buying a house, from budget and location to the condition of the property and what a survey tells you before you commit.

• Energy Rating D: What It Means for Your Home

  An energy rating D is where most homes in England and Wales sit. Here is what band D means for buyers, sellers and anyone planning improvements.

• How to Buy Your First Home: A Guide

  Purchasing a home is one of the most exciting and rewarding milestones in life.

• How Much Does a House Survey Cost?

  A house survey is one of the smartest investments you can make when buying a property, but costs vary widely depending on the type of survey and the property itself.

• Tips To Get Your Home Ready For A Survey

  When your home is on the market, and you attract buyers, it is common for them to arrange a building survey.

• How Much Does it Cost to Buy a House?

  Buying a house is a significant financial commitment, and a property valuation can depend on a variety of factors. These include the location, size and condition of the house, and the current state of the housing market.

• Homebuyers Survey: Is It Worth It?

  Is a homebuyers survey worth it? A RICS surveyor explains what each level covers, what it costs, and when the spend pays for itself.

• How to Prepare for a Home Valuation

  A home valuation is an important step in the process of selling your property, going through a divorce, paying off a Help to Buy government loan, and more.

• How Much Does a Probate Valuation Cost?

  A clear guide to probate costs, including how much a probate valuation costs and the other fees you should expect along the way.

• What is Comparable Evidence?

  Comparable evidence is used to calculate and estimate valuations for properties that are due to go on the market. If you are a homeowner, and you want to sell your property, you may be interested in how a valuer produces their valuation.

• How to Choose a Surveyor Near You

  Finding out important information about your home can impact lots of decisions – whether to buy or sell, whether to upgrade and renovate, or how to fix problems. That’s why it’s essential to choose the right surveyor.

• The Ins and Outs of RICS Valuations

  Property valuations provide buyers and sellers with an accurate estimate of the value of properties. If you are selling your home, there are two main options to choose from in terms of valuations.

• When to Arrange a Property Valuation

  Property valuations provide an insight into the value of houses and apartments. Whether you are buying or selling, you may benefit from arranging a property valuation.

• What is the Redemption Process in Help to Buy?

  The Help to Buy scheme, introduced in the UK, has emerged as a significant avenue for numerous individuals desiring to make their way onto the property ladder.

• How to Estimate Property Value: Tips for Buyers

  For the vast majority of people, buying a house marks the most significant and expensive investment they will make in their lives. If you are hoping to buy, it’s understandable to want to ensure you pay a fair price.