Ian Hughes Ian Hughes

What fees can tenants legally be charged?

Since the introduction of the Tenant Fees Act in June 2019, letting agents and landlords in England are no longer allowed to charge renters a wide range of fees. The legislation was introduced to create fairness and transparency for tenants, but it can still be confusing to know what is and isn’t allowed. Carpenter Surveyors set the record straight.

Read More
Ian Hughes Ian Hughes

What is New Build Boost and how does it compare to Help to Buy?

The housing market has seen a major shift since the closure of the government’s Help to Buy scheme, leaving many prospective homeowners wondering what options remain. Stepping into that space is Gen H, a modern mortgage lender aiming to reimagine homeownership, with their new New Build Boost scheme. But what exactly is it, and how does it measure up to Help to Buy?

Read More
Ian Hughes Ian Hughes

House Prices Hit a New Record in May 2025

As the Spring property market rolls on, the latest data from Rightmove reveals that the average asking price for a home in the UK has reached a new record high in May 2025 — now sitting just shy of £380,000.

Read More
Ian Hughes Ian Hughes

The advantage of choosing local: Why working with surveyors in your area matters

Thorough preparation, the foundation of a quality survey. Preparing your home ahead of a survey may appear unnecessary, but it plays a vital role in ensuring a thorough and efficient inspection. In this article, Carpenter Surveyors look at the advantages of choosing a local surveyor for your residential property in the Midlands.

Read More
Ian Hughes Ian Hughes

Why Birmingham Is a Top Choice for First-Time Buyers in 2025

If you're a first-time buyer looking for the right place to set down roots, Birmingham should definitely be on your radar. According to a recent study by property portal Rightmove, the Midlands city has been ranked among the UK’s top 10 most sought-after locations for first-time buyers in 2025.

Read More
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