Samuels Surveyors is an independent firm based in London and Surrey providing property valuations, party wall services, and building surveys throughout London, Surrey and further afield. We offer a comprehensive service and professional advice to all our clients; including private buyers, house owners and property developers.
Samuels Surveyors and Valuers
07464 610 031 or 020 7043 1376
info@samuelssurveyors.com
Richmond Office
Richmond Bridge House
419 Richmond Road
Richmond
Surrey TW1 2EX
Fulham Office
Chester House
1st & 3rd Floors
81-83 Fulham High Street
London SW6 3JA
Farnham Office
Clockhouse
Dogflud Way
Farnham
GU9 7UD
Tel: +44 (0)1252 790 244
Frequently asked
questions
We will carry out a visual inspection and attempt to operate the services; i.e., firing up the heating, turning lights on and off, etc. However, we are not qualified electricians, gas engineers or plumbers and therefore we cannot undertake tests of the services.
We would always recommend instructing a qualified contractor to carry out a safety test. We can recommend experienced contractors we have used on previous surveys.
Generally, in order to qualify for a lease extension under the 1993 Act, the lease must have been longer than 21 years when it was first granted and you must have owned the flat for more than two years. If you are buying a flat with a short lease, the current owner may be able to assign the lease extension during the sale.
There are other rules such as if the property is under a Shared Ownership lease, you must have staircased to 100% and the freeholders cannot be the Crown or National Trust.
You can find out whether you're a qualifying tenant by contacting your solicitor or visiting the Leasehold Advisory Service website.
As the time left on a lease diminishes, the value of your property also decreases. This process accelerates when the time left on the lease drops below 80 years. It is worth noting that the cost for a lease extension goes up as the number of years left on the lease goes down!
You are also likely to find that properties with shorter leases are much more difficult to sell due to many lenders refusing to raise loans against them. This can lead to the sales process being drawn out and increases the potential of the sale falling through.
Many common building projects may come under the Party Wall etc Act 1996. These can generally fall into three areas:
- Building along a boundary line
- Building works directly affecting the party wall (such as removing chimneys, cutting into the party wall, etc.)
- Excavating within three or six metres of the neighbouring property
For more information on when you may need a Party Wall Agreement, or a Party Wall Notice, please visit our Party Wall page.

Contact us
M: 07464 610 031
T: 020 7043 1376
Fulham Office
Richmond Office
Farnham Office