Andrew Forbes Chartered Surveyors are an independent firm of RICS regulated Chartered Surveyors specialising in providing valuation and building consultancy advice on a wide range of commercial and residential properties.  Established in 1995, we have six regional offices enabling us to service the South West of England and South Wales.

Our valuation services include loan security, taxation, company accounts, Charities Act reports, matrimonial work and pension fund valuations (SIPPs).  Our team of in-house specialists are also able to provide expert advice valuing property investments and development appraisals as well as trading businesses.  We have highly experienced valuers in the care home, medical and education sectors, with the skills and expertise to suit specific client needs including property portfolios.

Our Building Consultancy team are able to offer the full range of professional services, including building surveys/inspections, Landlord and Tenant and dilapidations advice, Licence to Alter, project monitoring of developments on behalf of lenders, acting as a Party Wall Surveyor, planning advice, and design, specification and contract administration.

Our property services

At Eddisons incorporating Andrew Forbes Chartered Surveyors, we offer valuation and building consultancy advice on a wide range of commercial and residential properties.

 

Building Consultancy

Our Chartered Building Surveyors have expertise in the following areas:

  • Residential Building Survey reports including Major Defects Surveys
  • Programmed or Planned Maintenance advice, including Schedule of Condition reports
  • Commercial Building Survey or Schedule of Condition reports for pre-acquisition or to record state and condition at commencement of lease
  • Due Diligence Building Inspections
  • Preparation of Schedule of Dilapidations (Dilapidations Advice) and Wants of Repair for service on commercial tenants, or defending claims on behalf of tenants
  • Development/Project Monitoring to assist lenders in controlling stage payments during development
  • Independent Snagging Services at the end of a project, to identify outstanding works
  • Party Wall advice for residential and commercial property
  • Feasiblity Studies, which can be undertaken with Andrew Forbes Chartered Valuation Surveyors to provide an overall project appraisal
  • Contract Administration, Procurement and Tendering
  • CDM Consultancy to Clients, Principal Designers, Designers, Principal Contractors and Contractors
  • Expert Witness advice

Above all, Andrew Forbes Chartered Building Surveyors provide independent and impartial reports on building pathology issues, defects analysis and diagnosis, technical assessment and recommendations for repair.

Our Chartered Building Surveyors are also experienced in Historic Building Conservation (including properties in a Conservation Area), on a range of building types and ages.  Andrew Forbes can provide the services detailed; with an emphasis on the particular character and importance of the building or structure.

Finally, we can also assist with Fire Risk Assessments, Assessments of Building Fabric under the Equality Act, and other statutory consents as part of our overall service.

Care Sector

Care providers require specialist valuation advice from professionals who know their business. We have the requisite knowledge and experience of this market sector, including care home operators and those running more specialist services. These include dementia care, learning disabilities and assisted living accommodation. We have experience of valuing a variety of homes and care businesses including those operating with local authority service agreements and private funding.

For our lending clients we provide compliant reports on both existing Homes and those being constructed or extended (with appropriate business assessments).

We understand the requirements of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW).

For more information or a quotation from one of our Care Sector specialists, please contact us for independent valuation or survey advice.

Charities Act Valuations

Charities are required to obtain valuation advice in accordance with the Charities Act, 1993 which consolidates a number of previous statutes.

Chartered Surveyors are required to provide Charities with appropriate advice where:

  • The charity is contemplating disposing of an asset
  • The charity is contemplating acquisition of an asset
  • The charity is contemplating entering into leases or other agreements which will have a material effect upon the market value of the property.

Where Charities are considering disposal of land or property they need to consider the Charities ‘Qualified Surveyors Reports’ Regulations, 1992 and the Charities Commission Guidance Note ‘CC28 – disposing of charity land’.

The Commission require the charity to consider the following before proceeding with a disposal. For example:

  • Do the Trustees have a power to dispose of the land?
  • Would the disposal be in the best interests of the charity?
  • Do the Trustees own the title to the land?
  • Is there anything in the governing document that prohibits the disposal?
  • Does the Charity need authority from the Commission or the Court?

We provide a comprehensive range of services extending from initial ideas and feasibility studies, statutory approvals through to completion of building works on site. Under the direction of our Architect we will undertake new building projects, conversions and extensions on small or large scale properties.

Using contemporary CAD technology our Architects’ Studio (at our Head Office in Fareham, Hampshire) is dedicated to providing a fast and efficient architectural design service. We produce conception design, drawings and presentation drawings, to enable visualisation of the proposals, drawings for Planning Permission and Building Regulations submissions and the necessary technical amplification content to assist construction on site.

We pledge to provide a skilled and proficient service through the Planning Application determination process and for Building Regulation Applications. Our service includes planning consultancy, support with development proposals, and aid with Planning Appeals. Established relationships with Local Authorities underpin our advisory service on all aspects of planning legislation and current Building Regulation Approved Documents requirements.

Whatever the project, the Architect’s studio is committed to providing an efficient and flexible design service.

Architectural Services at DHCS

  • Conception Design

A comprehensive design service for a range of projects from conversion schemes to new build developments

  • Feasibility Studies

To demonstrate potential development opportunities and highlight any design issues.

  • Planning applications & planning appeals

Guiding you through the complex process of planning applications and planning appeals.

  • Building Regulations and Working Details

Submission of building regulation applications and negotiations with inspectors.

  • CAD Drafting Services

Architectural visualisations, illustrative perspectives, site 3-D modeling and 3-D house design to present your project.

  • Land Registry Compliant Plans

We prepare lease plans, land registry plans and conveyance plans for legal requirements

 

Company Accounts Valuation

Companies are often required to provide independent valuations for company account purposes. Unlike other company assets, which are often written down over a given number of years in the balance sheet, land and buildings are required to be valued to current market value.

There are a number of specialist properties which are not readily disposed of in the market where it is necessary to value the buildings by reference to the cost of constructing a replacement building (DCR basis). Examples include chemical works, refineries, etc).

Periodic valuations may be required to be updated at regular intervals to include property holdings in a company’s balance sheet. Even where companies employ their own in-house property manager, it is common for at least a proportion of the company’s property holding to be valued externally by an independent Valuer to obtain an impartial valuation of the property.

Where there is a change in Directors or Shareholding, the company may require an updated valuation of the company’s assets to include a market value of the property holdings. Similarly where a director or shareholder retires, the assets may need to be divided between the remaining directors or shareholders.

Andrew Forbes regularly provides companies with independent assessments of the market value of their properties, on annual, triennial or a one-off requirement.

Andrew Forbes have Registered Valuers with the relevant experience and expertise to provide companies with a high quality of report and individual advice on a range of properties, including retail, business space (offices, industrial and warehouse/distribution space), trade-related (including pubs, clubs, hotels, convenience stores & post offices), investment (commercial, buy-to-let or mixed portfolios) and development appraisals, from £50,000 to £5 million throughout South Wales and the West of England.

Dilapidations

Within the last year of a commercial tenancy, preparing a Schedule of Dilapidations and Wants of Repair will provide landlords and tenants with invaluable advice on:

  • what works are required
  • the likely impact on re-letting/sale
  • recommendations for resolution

Andrew Forbes work is carried out in accordance with the Dilapidations Pre-Action Protocol which has been adopted by the Courts since January 2012 and is enshrined in the RICS Dilapidations Guidance Note.

Our Chartered Building Surveyors work in conjunction with our Chartered Valuation Surveyors when considering whether it is relevant to merely ‘cost the relevant outstanding building works’ or mitigate a claim by reference to ‘diminution in value’.

Our Chartered Building Surveyors can also assist with the preparation of Schedules of Condition at the outset of a lease, which can help with negotiations at the termination of the lease.

 

From the time you decide to invest in a residential property through to the time you sell, we offer a range of property management services to make your ownership as trouble free as possible. Our residential block management services can be tailored to include:

  • Liaising with freeholders and / or Directors of residential management company and / or residents’ associations
  • Liaising with leaseholds and tenants
  • Arranging meetings and AGMs
    Prepare service charge budget
  • Administer and collect services charges and ground rents
  • Regular site visits
  • Planned maintenance schedules
  • Progressing Section 20 major works
  • Regular maintenance to buildings
  • Arranging insurance
  • Arranging fire risk assessments and asbestos surveys
  • Arranging regular checks for legal compliance
  • Organising and checking the cleaning of communal areas
  • Maintenance of garden areas
  • Maintenance of car parks
  • Paying invoices
  • Liaising with contractors
  • Meeting fire officers
  • Setting up reserve funds
  • Collating information for preparation of service charge account

We operate a computerised management system and recognise the need to keep clients fully informed in respect of both rental and service charge payments.

We offer residential block management across central Southern England including Hampshire and Isle of Wight, Dorset, East and West Sussex.

If you are looking for an experienced residential property management company to look after your investment, please contact Chris Daniells at Eddisons incorporating Daniells Harrison chartered surveyors.

Education Sector

Schools and Colleges are required to obtain independent valuation advice for a number of purposes, to include loan security, change of ownership, Academy status, Charities Act, business valuation or reinstatement cost appraisal (for insurance purposes).

As a firm of specialist Chartered Valuation Surveyors, Andrew Forbes are well equipped to provide independent valuations for a number of purposes including if:

  • The school is contemplating disposing of an asset
  • The school is contemplating acquisition of an asset
  • The school is contemplating Academy School status
  • The school is contemplating entering into leases or other agreements which will have a material effect upon the market value or market rent of the property
  • The school requires an independent check on their current reinstatement cost

By way of example, where schools are considering applying for Academy status they will need to consider the Government guidelines.  These are highlighted in a useful Department of Education web page: 

The school auditors will require as part of this process an independent valuation of the school land and buildings.  This is commonly carried out on a Depreciated Replacement Cost (DRC) basis.  Care must be exercised as to whether the land is to be included with the buildings, particularly where there are inter-related agreements between the church and the local education authority.

Andrew Forbes, Chartered Valuation Surveyors has a number of experienced Valuers who are all regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).  They have the knowledge and expertise to assist schools and their professional advisers when a valuation is required.  We are also used to working with other professionals, including Quantity Surveyors, Architects and Building Surveyors who may also be involved with building projects and maintenance schedules.

Andrew Forbes is actively engaged in this sector of the market.  For example we have undertaken Academy School valuations (to include primary, secondary and sixth form schools) which were valued on a DRC basis.  We have separately valued a portfolio of children’s nurseries for both pension fund and loan security purposes.

We are also able to assist clients with lease renewals or rent reviews of school and college premises.  We have experience of representing both landlords and tenants, in the private and state sectors.

Our Chartered Building Surveyors can also provide pre-acquisition surveys and advice where a school is seeking to purchase new assets to enhance its portfolio.  Please also refer to our web page on Building Surveying which details our range of services.  Of particular interest to Schools maybe:

  • Programmed or Planned Maintenance advice, including Schedule of Condition reports
  • Development/Project Monitoring
  • Independent Snagging Services at the end of a project

We can also provide with our Chartered Valuation Surveyors, Asset Management advice and appraisal.

Landlord and Tenant

From our extensive knowledge of the market across the West of England and South East Wales, Andrew Forbes provides a comprehensive service to both Landlords and Tenants on a wide range of commercial properties.   In these challenging economic times it is important in a rent review negotiation to reach a rental settlement that ‘works’ for both the Landlord and Tenant.

Our advice is based upon market transactions to provide clients with an initial appraisal before embarking on rent review negotiations.

We work closely with clients’ legal advisors in all lease renewals to provide timely advice for all court applications.

If agreement unfortunately cannot be reached, we then have the experience to handle any submissions (written or oral) required to be made to an Independent Expert, Arbitrator or Court.

We have been able to extablish a reputation for providing an efficient, honest and professional service to both corporate and private clients on all property sectors across our region.  Any one of our team would be happy to discuss your requirements prior to formal instruction.

Licensed and Leisure

Andrew Forbes has a specialist expertise in the Trade Related and Licensed and Leisure sector.  This enables us to provide our range of services on the following property types:

  • Hotels and Guest Houses
  • Public Houses
  • Restaurants
  • Holiday Letting Accommodation
  • Ancillary businesses

These services are offered throughout our regional network of offices covering the South West and Central England and South and West Wales. Our reports can be tailored to suit the requirements of corporate organisations, and private individuals alike.

Loan Security Valuations

To offer their customers better lending rates, lenders often propose a secured loan with a legal charge on business premises.  Where these are not owned, but leased, the lender may be prepared to take a legal charge over other assets, such as the borrower’s main residence or alternative property investments.

Lenders require their Valuers to provide them with impartial advice on the true value of a property to ascertain the maximum level of secured borrowing commitment.  Valuers must have knowledge of the market, the demand and supply of units within the area and a sound knowledge of the legal and planning background to a lending opportunity.

Lending reports are required to adhere to the RICS Valuation Standards (‘Red Book’) which provide a framework within which Valuers are able to provide Lenders with a clear background to a property.  All Valuers must be Chartered Surveyors and be included on the RICS Valuation Panel.

Andrew Forbes have Registered Valuers with the relevant experience and expertise to provide lenders with a high quality of report and individual advice on a range of properties, including retail, business spaces (offices, industrial and warehouse/distribution space) trade-related (including pubs, clubs, hotels, convenience stores & post offices), investment (commercial, buy-to-let or mixed portfolios) and development appraisals, from £50,000 to £5 million.

Andrew Forbes have the appropriate expertise to assist lenders throughout South Wales and the West of England.

Matrimonial / Family Law

When a family relationship breaks down the most significant financial asset tends to be the matrimonial home.  The parties may have also invested in property, whether directly or through a personal pension plan (e.g. SIPP).

Andrew Forbes, an independent firm of Chartered Valuation Surveyors are able to provide individuals or their legal advisors with professional independent valuation reports to establish the underlying Market Value.

We have a depth of experience covering a wide range of property types to ensure that all assets can be accurately assessed.  Our valuations are based upon relevant comparable transactions which can be relied upon should they be questioned by Family Court or arbitrator.

We support the collaborative law process whereby couples who have decided to separate or end their marriage work with lawyers (and other professionals) to avoid the incertainties and stress of Court, without the threat of contested litigation.

Andrew Forbes regularly provide independent reports to both parties’ solicitors to help arrive at a mutually agreed settlement.

Medical Sector

Doctors, Dentists & Veterinary Practitioners require specialist valuation advice.  We have a particular knowledge and understanding of this sector of the market, including the challenges faced by GP Partnerships.  Our expertise includes:

  • Partnership valuations
  • Challenging current market rent reviews
  • Rent negotiations with tenants such as Pharmacies
Personal Pension Fund Valuations

Self adminstered pensions (SIPPS & SAPS) are a very tax efficient way of saving.  Commercial property investments are capable of being incorporated into a SIPP, providing these are administered by an authorised financial institution.

Portfolio Valuations

There have been some interesting opportunities for Andrew Forbes Ltd to value investment portfolios  in recent years.  One of the reasons for these valuations has been a result of substantial investors moving funds offshore or raising additional monies for new purchases.

Examples include:

 

Bristol
A retail and residential portfolio of 10 properties in Bristol totalling £2.5m.

 

 

Bristol & Wells
A residential portfolio of 13 properties in Wells and Bristol totalling circa £2m.

 

 

Bromsgrove, Swindon & Barnstaple
A £5.6m industrial portfolio of 9 properties from Bromsgrove to Swindon and Barnstaple.

 

 

Bath
A Bath portfolio of houses and retail units valued at £6.5m.

 

 

Bristol
A portfolio of Bristol residential, retail and office investments totalling £5.7m.

 

 

Retail & Residential
A mixed portfolio of 21 retail and residential investments totalling £12.7m.

 

 

Bristol Central
A central Bristol mixed residential and commercial portfolio of in excess of 50 units and an aggregate value of more than £12m.

 

 

Bristol Residential
A 20 unit central Bristol residential portfolio with a value of about £4m.

 

 

Bristol Residential
A mainly residential Bristol portfolio with in excess of 100 units at 16 addresses, valued at just under £14m.

 

 

Bristol, Wotton-under-Edge & Dartmouth
A mixed portfolio of 25 retail, office and residential investments in Wotton-under-Edge, Bristol and Dartmouth totalling £6.7m.

 

 

Bristol residential
A central Bristol residential portfolio of four houses having a total value of more than £2m.

 

 

Bristol residential
A principally residential portfolio at 23 addresses throughout Bristol with a total value in excess of £2.5m.

 

 

Bristol Retail
Retail portfolio at six sites across Bristol with a total value of £6m.

 

 

Devon, Somerset, Wiltshire & Bristol
An industrial pension fund portfolio of about 160,000 sq ft (15,000 sq m) in Devon, Somerset, Wiltshire and Bristol with an aggregate value in excess of £5m.

 

 

Bridgwater residential
A mainly residential portfolio in Bridgwater, comprising 6 properties divided into 17 residential units and shops.

 

 

Yate & East Bristol
A mixed commercial and residential portfolio, concentrated around Yate and East Bristol, comprising 27 properties with an aggregate value of about £5m.
Probate Valuation

The death of a family member is a very emotional and stressful experience.  After handling all the immediate family affairs, the Executors will need to assess the value of the Estate to make an application for probate.

A valuation of the assets owned (or jointly owned) will need to be made at the time of the owner’s death.

Andrew Forbes, a firm of Chartered Valuation Surveyors are able to provide a professional independent valuation of not only the matrimonial home, but any buy-to-let houses, business premises, or commercial investment properties also owned at the date of this tax liability has to be assessed.

Andrew Forbes has a depth of experience in the valuation of a wide range of property types from houses to shops, offices, factories, medical facilities and care homes to trade-related valuations throughout the West of England and South East Wales,

Contact any of our Chartered Surveyors to support you, or your professional adviser if you need a probate property valuation.

Our reports are based upon comparable market transactions and will therefore stand up to the scrutiny of HM Customs & Excise (should this be required).

Strategic Advice

The friendly and experienced team at Andrew Forbes pride themselves on being able to offer impartial and independent professional advice to their clients.  ‘Helping clients make the right decisions’ is the core principal that we work towards.

We are always happy to discuss property challenges and provide appropriate advice to ‘add value’ to a client’s property interests.

We have a proven track record and the necessary experience to identify opportunities and find cost effective solutions.

 

“We are excited to be joining the Eddisons team as there is a natural overlap with the services we offer and an opportunity to work with like-minded individuals. This strengthens our proposition to clients and I look forward to developing the opportunities the deal presents.”

David Chichester
Director

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