Property advice

No compromise on quality

Our valuation service gives you professional, independent advice on the value of your property and, if this advice is prior to undertaking changes, we can advise on the cost and investment implications of an existing project or renovation. 

Our on site inspection will assess the condition of a property, gauging the feasibility of your desired plans, while our building consultancy experts can help co-ordinate any necessary works.

As with our entire host of services, valuations can be carried out across a wide area, covering the majority of the South East. 

Our wealth of knowledge and historic records, particularly for 1982 valuations in respect of Capital Gains Tax, means that other valuers often refer to us for help.  Amongst other things, the work we do includes carrying out valuations for Inheritance Tax purposes, charities, company accounts, matrimonial purposes, and loan security.

To discuss your valuation requirements contact us today to speak to one of our experts.

Crickmay act for local and national clients across the south of England providing advice on a variety of different planning matters. This encompasses a range of types of property, from the traditional stock of shops, offices, warehouses, and industrial units, to more unusual sites such as former petrol filling stations and public houses.

We have a particular specialism in the change of use of commercial premises and with our knowledge of the market we are able to put compelling cases together to satisfy local authorities.

Large projects often require the input of specialist consultants, for example acoustic engineers, transport consultants and contamination specialists. We are able to coordinate other professionals who need to be involved in such projects, many of whom we have worked with in the past.

Our experience in dealing with Listed buildings and properties situated within Conservation Areas enables us to overcome the complexities involved in planning work affecting these properties.

We have extensive experience in speaking at Planning Committee Meetings both in favour and against planning applications and are well placed to prepare and submit Planning Appeals on behalf of applicants where planning permission has been refused.

We are able to assist with the following planning work:

• Preparing and submitting planning applications for full or outline planning permission
• Seeking pre-application advice on behalf of applicants and attending site meetings where appropriate
• Securing Listed Building Consent including negotiating with Conservation officers
• Speaking to Parish and Town Councils
• Securing consent to display advertisements
• Providing supporting documentation including Design & Access and Heritage Statements
• Securing Certificates of Lawful Development
• Discharging/varying Conditions attached to a Decision Notice
• Preparing and submitting Planning Appeals
• Preparing development appraisals

Everything changes and when it does be sure to have an expert by your side

Changes to rental levels can be a sensitive and emotive subject for both landlords and tenants, often leading to dispute. 

A large part of our work involves advising tenants and landlords with commercial properties all over the South East and London on current rental value.  Using our breadth of knowledge of the region’s market dynamics and the results of our property surveys we can negotiate a rent review, helping you determine the fair level of rent for the future, having full regard to the terms of the lease and the effect of any works undertaken by the landlord or tenant.

Our experienced negotiators can act on your behalf to seal the deal and, in the event of an agreement not being reached, we can act on your behalf in referring the dispute to an independent expert or arbitrator.  In these instances our expert surveyors can provide you with all-important third party representation.

We are available to talk through matters involving such landlord and tenant work at no initial cost.  To arrange an appointment please contact us.

Having a break?  Call on Crickmay.

If you are either a landlord or a tenant wishing to take a break from your lease agreement it is likely that you will require expert professional advice to help you grasp the full ramifications of such a move.

In these instances it is important that both owner and occupier understand their rights prior to service of notice and at the time of property vacation.

When it comes to securing sound advice and up-to-date knowledge, make no compromise.  Contact us today and get it right from the start. 

We offer initial discussions regarding break notices at no cost and always provide honest advice to give you a clear picture of your obligations and entitlements. 

Time to renew your lease?  Whether owner or occupier, we can help you achieve a positive result.

Negotiating lease renewals is one of our key specialisms. With both landlords and tenants as clients, we are well versed in offering advice to property owners and occupiers.

Towards the end of your lease our professional surveyors work with you to determine the level of market rent and appropriate lease terms by inspecting the property and pulling on their extensive market knowledge.

Should it be decided that a new rent is justified or indeed a change to the lease terms, we can work on your behalf, liaising with legal advisors to reach the best possible arrangement for you.

Our surveyors also offer an expert witness service in instances where agreements on lease renewals cannot be reached.  In these cases we can provide you with all the necessary evidence and present your case at Court or PACT (Professional Arbitration on Court Terms).

For further information contact your nearest office.  

Gearing up for mutual success

Why wait until the lease is up before putting in place changes which could bring many benefits to both owner and tenant?  Lease regearing involves amending the agreement between parties mid-lease and can often result in enhanced value for the landlord and real benefits for the tenant, not to mention increased future protection for everyone involved.

In order to secure favourable results, however, it is necessary to have valuation knowledge and expert input at your disposal.  This is where we come in: our valuation and surveying services, together with our experience in negotiating, can bring about positive changes for all concerned.

Lease re-gearing negotiations are likely to take place in an atmosphere of co-operation rather than confrontation, in most cases leading to both parties benefiting substantially in the longer term.

Negotiate effectively?  Yes.  Compromise on quality and good advice?  Never.

To talk through your specific case with a Crickmay expert contact us.  Initial discussions can be provided free of charge. 

Surround yourself with excellence when it matters most

When a lease renewal or rent review cannot be resolved amicably, and the dispute is taken to court or an arbitrator / independent expert, we are often asked to offer expert witness advice. 

Our in-depth knowledge of the South East region and its property markets makes us well placed to offer expert insight into your case, while our professional services surveyors are familiar with all current court processes regarding lease renewals. 

We regularly work closely with solicitors to ensure that your side is fully equipped with all the facts and figures to support your case.

Trevor Hucker, one of our Directors of Professional Services, is a member of the RICS President's panel for both arbitrators and independent experts and regularly receives appointments to act in either of these roles.

If you require expert witness or advice on arbitration please contact us to be put in touch with one of our professional services experts.

When it comes to in-depth knowledge of the South East commercial property markets, we cannot be beaten.

We deal with a wide range of properties including:

•          Retail
•          Offices
•          Warehouses/industrial units
•          Commercial and residential investments
•          Commercial and residential developments

We can assist with the acquisition or sale of freehold and leasehold interests, helping to guide you through the minefield of bureaucracy and legal terminology to deliver a speedy and satisfactory result for you. 

Unlike many agencies, we can also help if you want advice on the auction route, explaining the benefits and drawbacks, as we have excellent relationships with a number of major London and regional auction houses.

Have plans to grow?  When choosing a chartered surveyor, never compromise on knowledge, experience or skills.  Call us today to help kick start your new beginnings.