Virtual Conference: Current Residential Property Issues 2021: Recorded 9th November

Despite the delays caused by the pandemic, the Home Survey Standards 2020 are now fully effective and from the 1^st of September only the formats that confirm to the Home Survey Standards can be used by RICS members. In this session Phil Parnham, the technical author of the Home Survey Standards will review and reflect on this significant change. Although the content of this session will be adjusted to take account of the latest developments, Phil will consider:

• The relative merits of the new RICS formats
• Other formats available to the public
• The reactions to the new formats by other professionals and the public
• Specific aspects of the new formats including:
  • Setting up the service – helping the client choose between service levels and terms of conditions
  • Knowledge of locality – what is the new normal?
  • The new ‘R’ rating – how does that work?

The session will be illustrated with realistic examples and feedback from practitioners using the new formats. Phil Parnham, Director, Bluebox Partners

Any professional undertaking residential property surveys will no doubt be aware of the case of Hart v Large, in which the Court of Appeal found that the defendant surveyor was liable to the claimants for all losses they suffered after purchasing a property. In this talk, we will look at the reasons for the Court of Appeal's decision, the lessons that can be learned from it, and what steps surveyors can take to protect their position. In particular, we will consider:

• The measure of loss for claims relating to a negligent survey
• The difference between 'advice' and 'information'
• The relevant standard and role of expert evidence
• The use of disclaimers and limitation clauses
• The importance of your business structure
• The importance of run-off insurance
• Practical issues relating to the RICS Home Survey Standard

Alexandra Anderson, Partner, RPC

As 2020 came to a close, the valuation industry reflected on a difficult year. We had faced a closure of the property market during lockdown, followed by implementation of business continuity plans that we never thought we’d have to do. Inspections became challenging as we sought to protect ourselves and our customers and the re-opened market was seeing record breaking activity. As we (hopefully) approach a new normal, what have we learnt? How did we perform and has anything changed? This talk will look at:

• Market activity during this period
• The rise and challenges of desk top valuations
• Cladding- to EWS1 or not to EWS1!
• Warranties and PCCs - the fall out from Hart v Large
• A few interesting case studies from 2020/2021

Fiona Haggett, Head of Valuation, Barclays UK

Assessing roofs is one of the highest risk stages of a pre purchase survey giving rise to the most costly claims in recent years. This presentation by Geoff Hunt will give delegates a toolbox to be able to assess a wide variety of roofs quickly, capture key information on site and develop precise, high value commentary in reports.  In a competitive market where differentiation is key, clients look for surveyors who can give information of worth that can successfully lead them to a better negotiation outcome. The presentation will reveal:

• The key structural developments of roofs and why this is important to know
• The structural rules that govern all roofs and how to use these when assessing all roof types
• A roadmap to framing observations that lead to key defects
• How a simple basic structure can frame observations that are client friendly and reduce risk of claims
• Why understanding how roofers operate can reduce the risk of creating an expensive remedial claim
• How words in roof surveys can be affected by the precedents set by Hart v Large

Geoffrey Hunt, Chartered Building Surveyor and Principal, Geoffrey Hunt Building Surveying Services

• A reminder of the existing legislation (and some of its quirks!)
• A review of the possible reforms and their effect on the premium payable
• The prescription of rates and how this might be done
• Timescale for the reforms – a guessing game
• How to advise clients (both landlord and tenant)

Richard Kay, Partner, Beckett & Kay Henrietta Hammonds, Partner, Beckett & Kay

From the big tech and the Cambridge Analytica scandal to the “data, not dates” tagline in the UK Covid response, we have never been more aware of the critical role data plays in our lives. The property market is no different. This session will try to cut through some of the noise and understand how data is used in the residential property market, what opportunities might arise for surveyors in the future data-powered property market and how you can use data to help you in your role as a surveyor.

• High quality data is key – what to watch out for
• How data is used in the property market today
• How we can use data to unlock new opportunities
• Bringing data to life – walking through real examples

Nicole Setterfield, Sales and Relationships Manager, Landmark Valuation Services

The adoption of small-scale renewable energy technology is increasing, with over a million homes with Solar PV and a growing number with low carbon heating systems. The government’s plans for a green industrial revolution includes an ambition to achieve 600,000 Heat Pump installations a year by 2028. This visual and engaging presentation will explain the technologies and explore the UK’s deployment of them in residential and small business properties. The presentation will utilise the goldmine of data that the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) holds, as the UK’s small-scale renewables standards organisation.

• Overview of the technologies, including Heat Pumps as a low carbon heating system
• What has been deployed where and why? What does this tell us about the future?
• The move to decentralised energy and the role energy storage systems will play in residential properties
• Government policy and how this will change how homes are powered and heated
• What lies ahead for new build and the existing housing stock?

Ian Rippin, Chief Executive, Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)

5.00 pm CLOSE OF PROCEEDINGS