Ian Hughes Ian Hughes

UK House Prices hit a record high

Rightmove has just released its latest update, and house prices have hit a new record. If you're thinking of buying or selling, here's what it all means – with insights from our team at Carpenter Surveyors to help you make sense of the figures.

Read More
Ian Hughes Ian Hughes

Do I really need a Home Survey?

Buying a home is a big deal – whether it’s your first time or you’re an experienced mover, it’s likely to be one of the largest purchases you’ll ever make. With that in mind, wouldn’t you want to know exactly what you’re buying into?

Read More
Ian Hughes Ian Hughes

Eight out of ten homeowners uncertain about their home’s true value with two-thirds missing out on potential gains by wildly under-valuing their property

The data, which compared seller expectations with actual estate agent valuations, found that two-thirds of homeowners tend to undervalue their homes, missing out on potential gains. A third of homeowners who undervalued their property did so by £100,000 or more, leading to an unexpected windfall when they did sell.

Read More
Ian Bullock Ian Bullock

Listed Buildings: Debunking Common Myths and Understanding Conservation

Listed buildings are an integral part of a nation’s architectural and cultural heritage. Their preservation ensures that future generations can appreciate the history and craftsmanship of past eras. However, there are many misconceptions surrounding Listed Buildings, their Regulations, and Conservation practices.

Read More
Ian Hughes Ian Hughes

5 essential tips for first-time buyers in 2025

Purchasing your first home is a major milestone, but it can also feel daunting. With an ever-changing property market, being well-prepared in 2025 is key to making informed decisions. Here’s what every first-time buyer should know.

Read More
Ian Hughes Ian Hughes

Discover the hidden costs in your next home purchase

Your dream home has been found, and everything seems to be in order. It's also possible you are a seller who is looking for a new home to meet your growing needs and lifestyle. Is there a foundation crack, outdated wiring, or hidden leak hiding beneath the surface?

Read More
Ian Hughes Ian Hughes

Rental homes by 2030 will require an EPC rating C

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings of C will be required for all rental properties by 2030 in order to "lift up to half a million households out of fuel poverty". Compared to the current minimum EPC standard of E, this is an increase.

Read More
Ian Hughes Ian Hughes

What are the best places to buy property in Birmingham?

Property investment in Birmingham has recently gained prominence. The arrival of HS2 will improve connections, and regeneration has made Digbeth rival London's trendy Shoreditch. In Birmingham, we look at where should you invest in property?

Read More
Ian Hughes Ian Hughes

Housing market forecast for 2025: 5 things to know

Are you considering moving in 2025? If so, then you probably wonder what the next 12 months will bring for the housing market. Make sure you're prepared for your moving journey by reviewing the experts' key predictions.

Read More
Ian Hughes Ian Hughes

Carpenter’s Christmas Party 2024

After another busy year at Carpenter Surveyors, we were delighted to attend the Grand Showman’s Gala on December 7th 2024 – an exclusive themed spectacular that we’ll never forget!

Read More
Ian Hughes Ian Hughes

Forecast for house prices in 2025

As we edge towards the end of the year, Carpenter Surveyors have been researching what the property experts predict what might happen to property prices over the coming 12 months.

Read More
Ian Hughes Ian Hughes

What does the Autumn Budget mean for the housing market?

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered her Autumn Budget: the first Labour Budget in 14 years.

Ongoing cost of living pressures are likely to have contributed to the large amount of coverage and speculation the Budget has received in recent weeks.

Read More