Desktop Valuations can be a useful alternative type of property valuation in situations where a full building inspection is not possible. At Hammond & Shaw, our Surveyors in South Devon can undertake valuations without the need to be physically present at the property. Instead, we base our valuation on information provided by the client, photographic evidence where available, online research and other available resources to arrive at a reasonably estimated valuation from our desk.

What are Desktop Valuations typically used for?

Our Desktop Valuations can be used for a variety of property types including residential property and commercial premises. In particular, they may be carried out for the purposes of the following.

• Obtaining a mortgage, second mortgage or re-mortgage:

If you are looking to arrange a mortgage for a property purchase or additional finance on an existing property, the lender may be willing to accept a Desktop Survey.

• Extending the lease on your property:

If the lease on your property is approaching 80 years, extending it can increase the value of the asset. A Desktop Valuation may be suitable to evaluate the updated value of the investment.

• New-build or self-build house:

If you are looking to raise finance on a new-build development or to help you build your own house, a Desktop Valuation may be suitable to get the land or building evaluated.

Can a Desktop Valuation be used for off-plan developments and unfinished builds?

Yes indeed. Desktop Valuations can be used to value new-build properties and unfinished developments, where the valuation is based on plans and specifications of the finished build as provided by the developer.

A Desktop Valuation for a property where the internal order and specification have not been determined will typically provide a wider range of values and often arrive at a more conservative valuation figure.

How accurate is a Desktop Valuation?

By definition, a Desktop Valuation is based on information gathered without a physical inspection of the property. By necessity, this makes it less accurate than a traditional property survey. That is why Desktop Valuations tend to be used for lower-risk loans and lending.

Data used to arrive at a Desktop Valuation includes location data, other properties of a similar type in the locality, and photographs of the state of repair of the building – all of which can be used to make an informed estimate of the value of the property.

A Desktop Valuation is not a formal valuation. It is a brief description of the property based on photographic evidence, computerised information and advice from the client alongside other appropriate means to establish a reasonably estimated value.

When is a Desktop Valuation not suitable?

A Desktop Valuation is unlikely to be the right choice of tool for situations where there are too many potential variables, meaning that the surveyor cannot reasonably arrive at an informed valuation.

This could be because of the arrangement of the property, particularly flats or larger houses, properties that have been extended, properties that are of non-standard construction or unusual design.

In other words, a Desktop Valuation is most suitable for certain properties in qualifying circumstances and, as such, is typically reserved for common and traditional properties that our surveyors recognise as being of a certain type, style and arrangement.

How do I obtain a Desktop Valuation for my property?

At Hammond & Shaw Surveyors, we can carry out Desktop Valuations as a standalone service or as part of a residential market valuation for properties in Exeter, Newton Abbot, Torquay, Plymouth and across South Devon. Our report will be based on a brief survey, which may include a short site visit to verify the building’s location, size, type and condition, along with desktop research of comparable local sales data and other information.

For enquiries about our Desktop Surveys, or any of our other property surveys or services, to discuss your property survey needs and to get a quote, please feel free to get in touch.

Period properties make wonderful homes and the character, charm and elegance of these old buildings are not something that modern homes or new builds can replicate or compete with. Whether you have your heart set on a Georgian townhouse, a period cottage or a Victorian semi, there are attractive older properties available for all types of buyers.

If you’re looking for high ceilings, original fireplaces, exposed beams or elegant sash windows, then a property built during Edwardian, Victorian or even Georgian times could make the perfect home for you.

However, there’s more to consider than architectural beauty. Just because a building has been standing for 100+ years doesn’t mean that it’s in good condition. Despite their reputation as having been solidly built, there are plenty of things that can go wrong with period buildings. And that’s where a property survey comes in.

Why you need a full RICS Building Survey

A Building Survey, formerly known as a ‘full structural survey’ is the most comprehensive home survey endorsed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). As the name suggests, it is an inspection of the structural condition of a property. Unlike a mid-level HomeBuyer Survey, a Building Survey investigates in much more detail those hard-to-reach places and flags any building defects, their cause, severity and urgency of repair.

Building Surveys are particularly suitable for older, larger or non-standard properties with complex surveying needs including any building older than 50 years, historic and listed buildings, properties built with non-standard methods or materials, and those where major renovations are planned.

The survey consists of a detailed inspection visit where all visible and accessible parts of the property are assessed. This includes roofs and chimneys, walls and floors, windows and doors, as well as basements, garages and outbuildings to identify building defects and potential problems including:

• Damp, mould and condensation, the condition of existing damp proofing provisions, insulation, ventilation and drainage issues
• Structural movement such as subsidence, including the presence of large and potentially troublesome trees close to the building
• Other structural issues such as alterations to supporting walls
• Roof defects including damage to guttering and brickwork
• Timber defects including woodworm, dry rot and wet rot
• Renovations undertaken without planning consent, listed building consent or other permissions, as applicable
• Evidence of asbestos and other hazardous materials
• Technical information including construction materials and methods used

As part of the site visit, we will check cupboards, lift manholes and inspect services. However, we won’t be able to examine concealed or inaccessible parts of the building or produce specialist reports on heating systems or electrical installations.

At H&S Surveyors, our experienced team of Chartered Surveyors in South Devon specialises in conducting Building Surveys for all types of property in the local area. It is our professional advice that a structural survey can provide essential information to protect you from costly and complex problems further down the line, particularly if the building in question is a period property. With many years experience of surveying residential property, we are known for our service excellence, technical skill and professional approach.

How can you restore period features?

Old properties full of character are crying out to be restored. After all, the period features are the focal point of the home and underpin not only the building’s aesthetic appeal but also its value. The failure to restore and renovate these properties sympathetically is one of the classic pitfalls of buying a period home.

Before you make any alterations to an old building, however well-intentioned, it is important to get expert advice and employ specialist contractors. Inexperienced workmen who use the wrong materials to modernise a historic structure may simply not have the right knowledge and expertise to do the property justice, and inadvertently create more problems further down the line.

Finally, there’s the thorny question of budget. If you have little experience in the matter, take it from us: compared to renovating a modern home, the cost of refurbishing a period building is going to be higher. The nature of old buildings means that getting the right materials and suitable contractors can be pricey. Do you have a realistic budget for the work that you are envisioning? A Building Survey is a great place to start calculating a sensible budget for repairs and upgrades, as well as any unexpected costs that may crop up along the process.

Get in touch

Buying a home can be a stressful experience, and older buildings can throw up extra challenges that you may not be able to deal with knowledgeably without professional advice. If you are considering the purchase of a period home in South Devon and would like to discuss your requirements for a Building Survey, please contact our expert team at Hammond & Shaw. Email admin@hammondandshaw.com, call 01626 335008 or contact us here.

If you are planning to relocate to the West Country, Devon has plenty to offer. Are you looking for a more relaxed pace of life and a town or village with a strong community spirit? How about plenty of space and a stunning countryside or seaside location? Whether you are longing for a country cottage, a family home or a modern apartment, Devon provides some of the best places to live in the UK. If you are thinking of heading West for the long term, you are sure to be spoilt for choice.

However, relocating to a part of the country you are unfamiliar with can be a stressful experience. Without a clear idea of where the best places to live are, or who to consult locally for property advice and guidance, it can make the job of finding your new home in Devon much harder than it needs to be.

That’s where Hammond & Shaw come in. Our long established team of Surveyors in South Devon is well known for the quality of service we deliver to home buyers in Devon. Covering Exeter, Dartmouth, Salcombe, Torquay and beyond, we can provide the local property knowledge you need along with quality property survey and valuation reports that are designed to be jargon-free and user friendly.

So, where are the best places to live? Well, it all depends on what you’re looking for. Exeter is a thriving regional hub with several booming industries, plenty of amenities and culture. Totnes is a picturesque medieval market town with an independent spirit and alternative culture. Salcombe, recently dubbed ‘Chelsea-on-Sea’, is a pretty coastal town boasting prime seaside homes. Dartmouth aka ‘the jewel of the South Hams’ is a picturesque historic harbour town, rich in maritime history and overlooked by the famous Royal Naval College. We could go on…

Interestingly, in a recent list of ‘best places to live in the Southwest of England’ compiled by The Times, three lesser-known Devon towns made it into the top 10: Topsham, Kingsbridge and Chagford. Let us take a look at each of these in turn.

Topsham

A small estuary town on the Exe, Topsham has a much calmer ambience than the vibrant city of Exeter only 4 miles north. Loved by locals and visitors alike, there’s a great village vibe with a pretty high street running through the centre of town offering a wide selection of local independent shops, pubs and restaurants.

The Strand in the town centre is one of the most prestigious and well-known streets where those who have the budget have a choice of historic Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian period homes and beautiful Dutch-style gable houses. For those looking for more modern accommodation, consider one of the many new developments on the outskirts of town.

Kingsbridge

Kingsbridge is a bustling market town located at the northern end of the Kingsbridge Estuary and easily reached via the A38 Devon Expressway and A381 that runs through the heart of the South Hams. It’s close to the beach but far enough away from the Salcombe crowds to provide a welcome contrast as an ‘unassuming’ town with a strong community spirit. There’s a proper town centre with a cinema and weekly farmers’ market, and plenty of shops aimed at local residents rather than the tourist trade.

Kingsbridge has excellent education facilities and good schools including Kingsbridge Community College. Local properties here range from barn conversions and bungalows to historical properties with extensive plots of land.

Chagford

Chagford is a small market town situated on the north-eastern edge of Dartmoor where the microclimate provides more sunshine and less rain than on the other side of the moor. Exeter is about half an hour away by car and easily accessible via the A30.

Thanks to its rural location, the town is popular with nature lovers but it has also made a name for itself as a place of culture. The highlight of the year is the annual Chagstock music festival.

Property for sale in Chagford ranges from beautiful old cottages and barns to family houses and impressive estates. Expect to pay a premium for living in one of the most sought-after places to live in Devon and the Dartmoor area.

If you are looking for a property to buy in South Devon and need professional advice, H&S Surveyors should be your first port of call. Contact the team to discuss your upcoming purchase and for guidance with the best choice of home survey for your property. We look forward to welcoming you to Devon, the best county in the UK according to a recent YouGov poll.

New builds are a popular option for all types of homebuyers – from first-time buyers to growing families to downsizers. The new home market is expanding fast in many areas of the West Country and growing in popularity.

The appeal is obvious: you’ll be the first person to live on the property while repairs and maintenance costs should be low, at least for the first few years. And if the developer is providing a snagging list to ensure the property’s physical condition is up to scratch, plus if there’s an NHBC (or similar) warranty on your home, you may decide not to bother with a home survey. After all, it’s a new property, so what could possibly be wrong with it?

At Hammond & Shaw, we have a wealth of specialist experience in residential property surveying in South Devon, and our team of Chartered Surveyors have built up a reputation for excellence and professionalism in all our business dealings. We would always advise homebuyers to get an independent property survey before purchase, and that includes buying a new build property.

Why? Well, Let’s Look at the Evidence

Your brand-new home may look perfect, but are you paying the right price for the property? Many new homes carry a ‘new build premium’, making them more expensive than older but otherwise similar properties.

A major problem you may encounter if you agree to pay ‘over the odds’ is that your mortgage lender may not approve the loan. If you do get a mortgage (or are able to proceed without one), you could struggle to sell the property for the same amount in years to come, and negative equity may become an issue.

An independent property survey can verify the market value of the property, saving you time and money. And if the survey findings flag up any issues, you may even be able to renegotiate the price.

There are many different types of property surveys including the popular RICS HomeBuyer Report, which can offer physical and financial peace of mind, even on new build properties.

A Homebuyer Survey will identify serious defects and urgent repairs including structural problems such as subsidence, dampness and timber defects. The report uses the RICS template for traffic light condition ratings to indicate the severity of any issues found.

Having an expert look at the property at this stage could protect you against expensive repairs further down the line. Should the findings flag up an issue with the damp proof course, for instance, we will also give our professional recommendations for repairs and maintenance. Any cost estimates can act as a useful bargaining tool to obtain a discount on the purchase price, or get the seller to rectify the issue prior to the exchange of contracts.

At H&S Surveyors, our HomeBuyer Surveys also include a current market valuation and advice on whether the agreed purchase price is reasonable. We will compare the price with similar local properties and give you a good idea if you are paying too much.

With an RICS HomeBuyer Survey Report to back you up, you are in a much stronger position to go back and renegotiate the price in line with our valuation, potentially saving you thousands.

An independent property survey is your best opportunity to get all the facts about the property you are about to buy so that you can make a well-informed decision on how to proceed.

Contact Us

Why not get in touch with our RICS-approved surveyors in South Devon to discuss your new home purchase? You are about to make one of the most important financial investment decisions of your life, so having all the facts at your disposal is key to enabling you to protect your investment. You can get a free, no-obligation quote here.