Ian Hughes Ian Hughes

Key trends from Summer 2025

Beyond the headlines: Our expert analysis of the August 2025 UK property data for residential surveyors. Understand the two-speed market and its impact on valuations.

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Ian Hughes Ian Hughes

Why you should always get a Survey before buying a home

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. It’s exciting, of course, but it can also be daunting. At Carpenter Surveyors, we believe that everyone deserves peace of mind when making such an important investment.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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