There are certain things in life that are made easier by the "nice" people you meet along the way. Thank you for your help; infact thank you for everything; I'm glad I wasn't in this alone.

The stress of moving was very much kept to a minimum with such pleasant, happy, courteous and professional people. We would be very happy to use your services again.

A thoroughly professional company.

When stating on the telephone that a letter would follow in the next post, it arrived on my doorstep the next day! Your staff were most helpful throughout.

We appreciate greatly, the helpful way in which you handled our house sale, nothing but the highest praise for your efforts both professional and client relations.

Nothing was too much trouble, matters were dealt with very promptly and without any fuss. We will definitely recommend you.

Many thanks for all your hard work. All of your efforts were truly appreciated. We only wish other agencies involved in house moving were as efficient!

"Full marks!" "This is the second time in recent years that we have used your company. We would not hesitate to use Clutton Cox in the future and would recommend your company most highly.

Excellent service. Thank you for all the time and help you made available. "The service was first class, and I will have no hesitation in recommending you to other people.

I was more than pleased with the way you dealt with my affairs and the problems encountered. I could not have asked for better service or more support.

Excellent service. Thank you for all the time and help you made available. "The service was first class, and I will have no hesitation in recommending you to other people.

I was more than pleased with the way you dealt with my affairs and the problems encountered. I could not have asked for better service or more support.

I was impressed with the way you and your staff managed to be patient, courteous and maintain an air or optimism even when difficulties arose, thank you.

Once again signed, sealed and completed without a hitch! Cheers for all your hard work.

Very pleased indeed with the service no hesitation in recommending it to others.

We found our dealings to be very efficient and helpful and would not hesitate to recommend Clutton Cox to any of our friends/relations. Many thanks for your assistance in this matter.

We were very impressed with the service we received. "All staff were very friendly and helpful. They did not tire of my constant phone calls!

I thank you for the exceptionally quick service you have provided for me. I never imagined things would all go so quickly and smoothly!" "Very much appreciated, thank you.

We were impressed with your willingness to answer our queries and clarify matters for us. Thank you very much.

We are more than pleased with the speed and efficient way our conveyancing has been handled. We will certainly use your services again and will recommend you to our friends.

We were very happy at the service we received. It was very professional and efficient.

0844 372 3011

Do I Need a Homebuyers Survey?: A Cautionary Tale with a Happy Ending!

by Paul Hajek on

If you are one of the 4 out of 5 Homebuyers who do not have a full survey or a RICS Homebuyers Survey and Valuation carried out on their new home, think again.

Many excuses are used for failing to carry out a survey; cost; extensive local knowledge; age of the property, old and new.

A common excuse is to believe that a new house built within the last ten years has a NHBC guarantee. This is misleading as there is no such thing as a NHBC guarantee, merely a warranty. The warranty is really only effective, unless in extreme cases, for the first two years after the property was built.

Here is a cautionary tale about buying a property, not in your area, where you have little knowledge of property or the surrounding area.

Clients of mine were relocating because of a job move to the North West of England (they currently reside in Chipping Sodbury).

They did a bit of detective work and scouted various locations, and eventually found a property overlooking a park at a good price but in need of modernisation.
By taking our advice as Conveyancing Solicitors(we always advise clients to have at least a Homebuyers’ Survey) they instructed a local Surveyor to carry out a Homebuyers Survey.

Most of the recommendations were not a surprise, given the state of the property. The usual suspects included; penetrating damp; condensation; no insulation; decay in timbers; internal decoration; new kitchen; damaged drains; overgrown trees; small area of asbestos and boundaries in disrepair.

It was the final summary which took our clients breath away, and it was information that without the Surveyors local knowledge of the area, would not have been easily available to them,. The Surveyor concluded:-

“While the property is located in an enclave of prestigious houses overlooking a park, we would point out that within 200 metres of the property, it is possible to buy a terraced house for as little as forty thousand pounds.

This could severely affect the long term value of the house and much depends on the immediate adjacent area takes, as to whether it will prove to be a good investment”

Although, my clients would have happily endured the renovation of the property, the uncertainty of a potential reduction in the value of the property, through circumstances beyond their control, was an unacceptable risk.

It would remain to be seen whether my clients would have lost money. But for them, the fact that the cost of a survey has ensured that they will not potentially lose tens of thousands of pounds has been money very well spent.