The Value of Property Valuations

2 Bedroom Apartment v 64 Bedroom Mansion?

The Telegraph recently published an article comparing the value of two similar properties... in this case, the term "value" is being used strictly in reference to the market price. Both properties are for sale in the range of £4.25 million. 

The first property provides:

• 64 bedrooms
• 88 acres
• A ballroom
• A history dating back to 1700

The other provides:

• 2 bedrooms
• 125 square metres
• ... Umm, and integrated "high end appliances"

So, what's the all important difference that awards those 88 acres? 
In the words of Kirsty Allsop, "Location! Location! Location!" 
The latter apartment is located in Knightsbridge, London whilst the other stately home is in Shrewsbury, Shropshire (near the welsh border).

But how do you put a true price on a property, we hear you ask? 
There is obviously overwhelming support of the fact that our Capital city justly demands a great price hike versus other areas of the UK (or even, the world...) but exactly what factors determine the sales value? 
Dawson Surveyors stresses the importance for any homeowner to know this simple fact. After all, get it wrong at purchase and there is immediate danger of negative equity. Get it wrong when attempting to sell and there may be a total lack of interest from the market.

A property must be valued by a professional (contact Dawson Surveyors for more information). The pricing formula in its most basic sense considers:

• Property age
• Number of rooms
• Features and fittings
• The current condition of the property
• Location and surrounding amenities
• Associated costs and liabilities

Property valuers also assess the interest in a property at a given time. This interest could be in connection with a sale, letting, leasing, investments, etc. And these variable factors are what make pricing a property more complicated than it may at first appear. Always ensure that your professional is knowledgeable and experienced.

Also bear in mind that a valuation survey is the most basic form of survey. For a more comprehensive survey you may wish to consider a Home Buyers survey or a Building Survey. If you are unsure and have questions of any type, do not hesitate to contact Dawson & Associates. 

http://www.dawsonsurveyors.com/valuations.html

Dawson & Associates Advise Own Front Door

As property prices continue to soar in the UK (and interest rates remain, well... of little interest), is the smart money once again being invested into strategic property developments? 
Over recent years we've seen the likes of Sarah Beeny preach loudly about mistakes here and naïveté there, but with a savvy nature and a little sound advice Dawson & Associates believe that it is possible to secure good returns from real estate.

One key piece of advice from Charles Dawson is to aim for a property that has its own front door (or the potential to create one). This may initially sound silly - "of course a home should have a door", we hear you cry. But the truth is that whether the end-resident is seeking a house or an apartment, it is nice if, upon opening the front door, ALL of the space is private. It often gives the premises a superior feeling - which in some cases could be provided at a premium.

In addition, communal  hallways often cause difficulties whether its simply because one person doesn't collect their post and leaves it piling up in an unsightly fashion or because there is repair work to be done that requires some diplomatic budget discussions. As a landlord, even more than a tenant, these ongoing issues are better avoided.

Of course whether you are considering property development simply to urnover for profit or if you are more interested in the income that rentals can provide, Dawson & Associates always advise a property survey from a professional before committing to the investment. Successful rental properties often have different criteria than properties intended to be quickly placed back onto the market so be very aware of your end-goal from the beginning. Of course, all properties should be structurally sound and also consider any environmental or political issues in the area. 

Contact Dawson & Associates now for more information and free initial advice.
Book a Survey: 0044 1424 882263

Buckingham Palace, Valued the World's Most Expensive Property

Comparecamp.com has now confirmed that Buckingham Palace is the world's most expensive property. However, some of the property value is attributed to THE VIP who happens to live there, thus making its pole position a little impossibly competitive. Of course it's Kensington address, 775 rooms and 40 acres of gardens play a part in the astronomical price tag too.

Buckingham Palace beats Billionaire Mukesh Ambani's rather eccentric Mumbai mansion, a 20 acre estate on the Côte d'Azur and a 100,000 square foot mansion in New York. Just a little lower down the list are another 3 Kensington properties truly demonstrating the exclusivity of this London district.

Just as Buckingham Palace has a heightened price thanks to its status as the Queen's residence, true property values can depend upon a multitude of things. Dawson and Associates are a team of highly experienced professional surveyors who can provide dependable valuations on properties within the UK and abroad. As valuers, we assess the worth of interest and the land at a given time. We also assess the age, condition and location of the property. With this information and our expertise we are able to provide an accurate report that will help you to make the correct property decision. Please feel free to contact us for free initial advice.

http://www.dawsonsurveyors.com/valuations.html