Our alternatives valuers carry out valuations for loan security, portfolio valuations, financial reporting, disposal, acquisition, compensation, property litigation and taxation purposes.

We are on the valuations panels of all the main UK clearing banks, as well as advisers to many investment banks, funds and other professionals. The team is highly experienced in analysing trading accounts for all types of leisure businesses, providing in depth knowledge of financial benchmarks, construction and development costs, market information and key factors influencing value.

In addition to leisure property, we have expertise in valuing other trade-related properties including:

• Film studios
• Places of worship
• Children’s day care centres and crèches
• Student accommodation
• Training centres
• Petrol filing stations
• Post offices, convenience stores and off licences
• Plant nurseries and garden centres
• Cemeteries, crematoria and undertaking establishments
• Food and drink production

Our National Asset Valuation Team has the knowledge and experience to deliver independent, robust, and auditable valuations to meet your financial reporting requirements.

We deliver high quality services across healthcare, education, local authority, government bodies, charities, and not-for-profit sectors, from our network of registered and experienced valuers.  

Working closely with your finance and estates teams, our RICS Registered valuers have the expertise to provide Red Book IFRS and FRS 102/ UK GAAP compliant asset valuations. Our advice incorporates the latest RICS standards and guidance to ensure your specialised and non-specialised assets are valued accurately, having consideration to the breadth of experience and expertise within our valuation division. 

Drawing upon our regional network, we are able to work collaboratively with the wider Lambert Smith Hampton business, including transactional, planning regeneration and infrastructure, and building consultancy supported by our knowledge and representation in regional and national markets.   

Our Core Services:

• Financial reporting under IFRS
• Financial reporting under FRS 102 / UK GAAP
• Impairment reviews 
• Specialised valuations 
• Depreciated Replacement Cost (DRC) valuations
• Modern Equivalent Asset (MEA) modelling 
• Compliant assessment on remaining lives and depreciation 
• Land and building apportionments
• ESG and Sustainability considerations through obsolescence 
• Evidenced backed non-specialised valuations  

We are experienced and established in providing advice as Auditor’s Experts in relation to property valuation audits.

Being experienced on both sides of the audit equation, our National Valuation Team has the knowledge and experience to deliver independent support to your audit teams. This role has become increasingly important having consideration to the spotlight placed on PPE audits by the FRC.

Drawing upon our knowledge and experience within our specialist and national teams, we understand the areas of interest and concern that may arise from a property valuation report. Our team provides detailed reporting; to include analysis and lines of enquires for your audit teams to pursue, from an independent position.  

Our Core Services:

• Auditor’s Expert reports
• Audit team assistance 
• Sample testing assistance
• We can review all types of valuations; through our network of valuers to include: Asset / Commercial / Residential / Public Sector / Trading / Hotel valuations 
• Financial reporting reviews
• Purchase report reviews 

Our expert team of valuers provides charities with appropriate and prompt advice to help them meet their regulatory duties around property transactions.

Understanding and meeting Section 36 obligations

When charities seek to dispose of land or property under Section 36 of the Charities Act 1993, their trustees must ‘obtain and consider a written report from a Chartered Surveyor’ acting exclusively for the charitable trust of the property rather than the charity beneficiary.

The report is required to cover a number of issues, including confirming whether – in the opinion of the surveyor – adequate marketing has taken place to ensure that the charity has received the best possible price for the asset concerned.

We have a wealth of experience providing reports in these circumstances, giving charities the information they need in a format they can use. We report in sufficient time for our clients to work to the strict deadlines set by Companies House, and meet the numerous statutory and professional standards set by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and other pertinent regulatory bodies.

Acquiring land or property

Where trustees propose to acquire land, there is no requirement to obtain professional advice, unless such a requirement is in the trust deed. However, the Charity Commission strongly recommends that a report from a qualified Charted Surveyor acting solely for the trustees is obtained. Our team can provide suitable reports in these circumstances too.

By using our valuation services, you can simplify the preparation of your annual accounts.

We provide you with a comprehensive and accurate report on the value of your property assets – helping you fulfil all RICS requirements and comply with appropriate accountancy standards.

Why you need accurate property valuations

When you submit your annual accounts to Companies House, one of the required elements is a statement of the value of your property assets. That valuation can therefore have a significant impact on your overall balance sheet and your taxation liabilities.

As a result, it’s imperative to get as accurate a valuation as possible – which is where we can help.

Delivering valuation expertise for any size of portfolio

Our qualified team has a wealth of experience valuing individual properties of all types, from offices, shops and warehouses to lighthouses. laundries and marinas. All of our valuation professionals are RICS registered.

With more than 40 offices across the UK and Ireland, we have impressive local knowledge and the capacity to deal with any size portfolio, reporting in ample time for your accounting deadlines.

Bespoke reports that meet all required standards

We will inspect and measure your properties, undertake extensive market research, and compile a bespoke report which meets all statutory and regulatory requirements of the RICS and the appropriate accountancy standards.

Your individual circumstances will determine which bases of value and methods of valuation we adopt, as will the classification of your properties (whether operational in connection with the business, or surplus to requirements) and the size and nature of your business.

We will report to you in sufficient time for you and your accountants to work to the strict deadlines set by Companies House or regulatory bodies such as Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.

What information do you need to provide?

• A valuation date – your financial year end
• Confirmation of whether you follow UKGAAP or IFRS accounting standards
• Access to inspect your buildings
• Copies of any tenancy related documentation you have in respect of leased parts 

The use of Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPO) and the negotiation of land acquisition and compensation in accordance with the Compensation Code is a specialised and complex area of professional practice.

Our specialist CPO surveyors have in-depth knowledge of compulsory purchase law and procedures, meaning we can help government departments, infrastructure providers and developers follow best practice throughout the process. We also act for property owners and occupiers, ensuring they are fairly consulted and compensated in advance of, and in the event of, a CPO.

Services for property owners and occupiers 

We act for property owners and occupiers affected by infrastructure and regeneration schemes and on the “receiving end” of notice under a CPO or DCO. Where companies are affected, our CPO surveyors take time to understand our client's business to properly assess any loss suffered. 

Our services include: 

• Advice on the implications and effect of a scheme on property value and acquisition under CPO
• Advice on making objections, and appearing at Public Inquiry
• Valuation and preparation of the compensation claim including business disturbance
• Negotiation with the acquiring authority
• Expert witness evidence at Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) if negotiation or mediation fails 

We successfully negotiate the right compensation with acquiring bodies where property is taken or value is adversely affected. We can also use our national market presence to assist with business relocation – helping you find suitable premises quickly.

Infrastructure providers with CPO powers 

For infrastructure schemes such as roads, railways, trams, water supply and waste water networks, and for regeneration and renewal programmes, we can help you follow the correct legal requirements under the Hybrid Bill, Transport & Works Act (TWA), CPO or DCO procedures. We work with government departments and agencies, including the Highways Agency, numerous local authorities and infrastructure providers to help them apply compulsory purchase powers fairly and responsibly.

Our specialist diminution valuations provide accurate, independent advice on valuation – not only for dilapidations disputes, but also in situations such as claims of negligence in conveyancing.

With a comprehensive understanding of the legal framework, we deliver timely and relevant advice to help prevent disputes escalating, and minimising your costs.

Diminution valuations, commonly referred to as Section 18 valuations, are primarily associated with dilapidations disputes. However, they can be applied in all manner of property-related legal cases, to help calculate the damages to which a party is entitled – which are restricted to the amount by which the value of a property has been reduced.

Find out more about how we can help companies with dilapidations claims

• In the case of dilapidations disputes, the statutory cap is imposed by section 18 (1) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1927 and the common law
• Under this Act,  the most a landlord can recover from tenants in breach of the repair obligations is the amount their property value has decreased by – even if the cost of those repairs may be significantly higher
• Under common law, this can be extended to other breaches of covenant, such as failure to reinstate alterations
• Diminution in value of the property can also be used to limit damages in cases such as a negligence claim against a solicitor in a conveyancing case

Whatever the case, it is important to have a valuer that not only understands the legal framework, but also the property market and current values. This is where our expert valuers come in.

Working closely with our agency teams in the local area, our valuers provide market-focused advice based on sound legal principles.

We offer specialist strategic advice and practical solutions to lenders with distressed assets throughout the UK and Ireland.

Our experience in the corporate recovery and distressed asset field, linked with our unrivalled access to markets throughout the UK and Ireland, means that we provide you with optimum solutions for realising your assets, based on the most up-to-date market intelligence available.

Advising on value and exit routes

The property market in the UK and Ireland changed beyond recognition during the financial crisis and its aftermath. A lack of debt funding and occupier uncertainty resulted in volatility in values across all sectors. What’s more, with increasing borrower difficulties in loan servicing, many lenders find themselves potentially exposed to fast-changing market conditions.

If you’re facing the prospect of having to take control of the assets that secure your loans, it’s essential that you receive the best possible advice on value and exit solutions so you can make an accurate assessment of the asset status, as well as establish a realistic route to realisation.

It’s only by taking the right advice at an early stage that you will be able to optimise the realisation of the asset.

Achieving the optimum solution for each asset

We have the specialist skill sets required to tailor our service to your situation.  With backgrounds in professional valuation advice and experience in transacting property investments throughout the UK and Ireland, our specialist team will explore all the issues and opportunities your asset may offer. We’ll then provide comprehensive advice so you can achieve the maximum realisation of your asset through a pre-agreed exit strategy.

If you need a more direct approach to realising your asset, our specialist team of Law of Property Act receivers is available to put your realisation strategy into practice.

Our European valuation team, operating across London, Paris and Germany, provide a managed valuation service on a wide variety of property assets.

Our team combines international experience and perspective with an in-depth knowledge of local European property markets across a wide variety of property assets.

All of our valuation projects are managed by a dedicated client account team, providing a high quality and seamless service across all European markets.

When you need an expert witness to advise on commercial property valuation issues in matrimonial, probate or commercial disputes, or on professional negligence claims, we can help.

When you need an expert witness to advise on commercial property valuation issues in matrimonial, probate or commercial disputes, or on professional negligence claims, we can help.

Our expert witnesses combine property valuation skills with a thorough understanding of the legal context they are required to operate in.

We provide impartial input and clear and concise expert witness reports and can act for either party or as ‘Joint Sole’ witness.

Experienced expert witnesses, available nationwide

With offices across the UK and Ireland, we offer genuinely nationwide coverage and in-depth local market knowledge. Our expert witnesses are highly qualified and experienced:

• All of our expert witnesses fully understand the Civil Procedure Rules, Part 35, and associated protocols and court guides
• We adhere fully to Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Practice Statements
• Many of our expert witnesses have first-hand experience of sitting as arbitrators and experts in property disputes – enhancing their understanding of the expert witness process and its demands. This is of particular value to our clients when it comes to case management conferences, settlement meetings or mediation.

Specialists in negligence cases

Our professional expertise in property valuation gives us a particular insight into negligence cases against valuers. Our expert witnesses deliver forensic analysis of the alleged negligent advice, including file and report review, and provide clear recommendations for case conduct.

For more information on how we may help, expert witness CVs or a full list of our specialist property valuers please contact Jonathan Manley.

Our fund valuation service gives asset management companies and property investment funds the detailed information they require about their property holdings, in the way they need it.

We provide a comprehensive service that sees bespoke reports delivered to an agreed schedule, giving you and your stakeholders an accurate understanding of your fund’s asset value at all times. That in turn provides the basis for your property investment decisions.

Delivering valuation expertise across 40 specialisms

At the core of our service to asset managers and investors is a proven expertise in valuation. In recent years, on average, we’ve valued more than £2 billion of commercial property real estate across the United Kingdom, in all property classes, for property companies, plcs, pension schemes and other similar bodies.

Meeting your reporting requirements

We shape our services to meet your reporting requirements – whether that means annual, quarterly or monthly valuations. Reports will be delivered in an agreed format, tailored to your needs.

We use a consistent methodology, facilitating comparison from one period to the next, and deliver to an agreed schedule to help you manage communications with your stakeholders.

Maximising efficiencies

Our methods of reporting are tailored to the resources of individual clients so that you have full control over scope and costs involved. For example, we look to create cost savings by undertaking “grouped inspections” where possible to reduce travel costs; we also make full use of our national office network, appointing local valuers where appropriate.

Our clients include AXA UK, Santander Asset Management, Mattioli Woods and CLS Holdings PLC. We are also valuers for many public sector investment portfolios.

Our valuation team provide lenders with a comprehensive and independent report of the market, and rental value of a property or an entire portfolio offered as loan security.

We have an established, consistent methodology including peer review of all valuations, and a national property database to draw in-depth information and data from. The result is more accurate and reliable valuations, delivered faster, to inform lending decisions.

Market knowledge and sector specialism

Whether valuing a single property or complex portfolio, our 131-strong team of RICS registered valuers can be deployed quickly across the UK and Ireland. Valuations are led by a senior member of our team – with at least five years’ experience, post qualification, conducting valuations – and follow an ISO9001 accredited process with rigorous quality assurance built in.

Our valuations are based on our team’s market knowledge – we have specialists in a range of sectors and property types – and our in-depth understanding of local market conditions. Our national property database means we have unrivalled insight and unparalleled resources to locate up to 70% of office and commercial leases across the UK and Ireland.

We are on the valuation panels of all of the UK’s major lenders including Barclays, Lloyds, HSBC, RBS, Aviva, Legal & General, AXA and Santander.

Our Loan Security valuation reports

All valuation reports are prepared in accordance with RICS Valuation – Professional Standards (the ‘Red Book’) and address every pertinent aspect of a property’s value, including:

• Macro and local economic conditions
• Supply and demand for the particular type of property
• Quality and condition of the property
• Obsolescence – financial and functional
• Quality of income / tenant
• Breaks in income for investment properties
• Potential for alternative uses
• Deleterious materials and environmental issues
• Planning
• Potential future unrecoverable expenditure
• Energy Performance considerations
• Marketability and sustainability over the loan period
• Current and future trends
• The valuation methodology adopted
• Comparable transactions relied upon

Whether for accounting and review purposes, development appraisal or to support ongoing estate management, we provide UK public sector bodies with the detailed valuations they require.

We cover both conventional space and specialist properties such as highways, hospitals and military establishments, courts, schools, libraries, depots, crematoria, parks and much more besides.

Our team works across central and local government and we are a registered supplier on the Government Procurement Service framework.

Meeting your valuation obligations

All public sector bodies are required to obtain an up-to-date valuation of their operational and investment portfolios on a regular basis. We help you meet these duties, no matter how complex or diverse your portfolio.

Our valuations play a key role in:

• Capital accounting
• Service reviews and feasibility studies
• Ad hoc property appraisals
• Development appraisals
• Compulsory Purchase processes
• Litigation
• Asset and estate management

They can also be used as the basis for general property market advice.

An established public sector partner

As a long-standing partner to a range of public sector organisations, we have a thorough understanding of your property valuation requirements.  Our clients include:

• Central government departments –  Home Office, Ministry of Justice, Department for Transport
• Agencies and NDPBs – Highways Agency, Environment Agency, Driving Standards Agency
• NHS and healthcare providers
• Local authorities – many London Boroughs, County Councils and District Councils

Valuations for taxation purposes are subject to examination by the Valuation Office Agency on behalf of HMRC. They must be undertaken on the correct basis so that they are not challenged – and so that our clients avoid incurring interest on any additional tax payable, as well as any potential penalties.

How valuation for taxation is different – and how we can help

Valuations are required for a number of taxation purposes including:

• Capital Gains Tax
• Inheritance Tax
• Stamp Duty Land Tax
• Corporation Tax
• Income Tax

These types of valuation are based on a statutory definition of market value which is not exactly the same as that defined within the RICS Valuation Standards.  This statutory definition has been subject to interpretation by the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) and higher courts.

Our registered valuers are fully up to date with UK Guidance Note 3 which provides detailed commentary on valuations for Capital Gains Tax, Inheritance Tax and Stamp Duty Land Tax purposes.

Valuations for tax purposes also often need to be based on a specific, often quite historic, date.  Our experienced valuers have the information at hand to recall market conditions at the relevant date, as well as access to numerous databases of historic information.