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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Ian Hughes Ian Hughes

A guide to choosing the perfect house

The purchase of a home is one of the most important decisions you will ever make in your life, and you should do some research to make sure you choose a home that is right for you today and tomorrow. To help you choose the perfect house, we outline the key aspects you should consider.

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Ian Hughes Ian Hughes

The benefits of choosing a local surveyor

The process of buying or selling a property is something most people only do a few times in their lives and it can be a daunting one, particularly when it comes to making a decision about a survey.

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Ian Hughes Ian Hughes

What is the RICS Level 2 Home Survey?

If there are any issues with the property, you need to ensure they can be addressed in a cost-effective manner without affecting your budget before you make a purchase.

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Ian Hughes Ian Hughes

Carpenter Surveyors Welcomes Guy Source to the Team

Carpenter Surveyors is delighted to welcome Guy Source AssocRICS as Director.

Guy will provide Surveying and Valuation services in Three Counties (Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, and Worcestershire) and the Cotswolds.

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