Smart Home Surveys

Smart Home Surveys, residential surveying and valuation in London and the surrounding area

Smart Home Surveys is an independent surveying practice specialising in residential property. Founded in 2016, it operates in London and the surrounding counties (Kent, Surrey and Essex) and presents itself as a specialist in the inspection and valuation of properties for owner-occupation or investment. The firm states that every client receives personalised attention and that its aim is to add value to the purchasing process.

RICS Level 2 and Level 3 surveys

The main service revolves around reports from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Level 2, formerly known as the HomeBuyer Report, is the most requested product: it covers all the elements of the Level 1 report but in greater detail. Level 3, formerly the Building Survey, consists of a full inspection of the property, inside and out, from top to bottom.

The company also offers a specific service to help decide between one level and the other, as well as a virtual tour.

Market valuations and other instructions

In addition to condition surveys, the firm carries out market valuations, understood as a professional opinion of the value of an asset on a specific date and in relation to the current market. These valuations are offered for a wide range of purposes:

• Buying a home, for the buyer's peace of mind.
• Redeeming Help-to-Buy or Shared Ownership loans, or buying a larger share of the home.
• Matrimonial disputes or other disputes.
• Probate and estate administration.
• Tax calculations.
• Insurance.

The request form details additional reasons: valuations for matrimonial purposes, for Inheritance Tax or probate, for Capital Gains Tax (CGT), for the Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (ATED) and for buildings insurance. It also considers the possibility of needing a valuation referring to a date other than the current one or two valuations on different dates, for example the date of death in a probate case, two dates to calculate a capital gain or the end of the tax year for CGT and ATED.

Property types and scope of the inspection

The activity is aimed at houses, flats, maisonettes and bungalows. The condition survey serves to check the state of the property, while the valuation seeks an accurate estimate of its market value.

Complementary services

Alongside the surveys and valuations, the site mentions Party Wall Surveys and the Insurance Reinstatement Appraisal, a valuation to determine the cost of rebuilding for insurance purposes.

Two offices in London

The firm has a head office in south-east London and a second office in the west of the city. Quotation requests are handled through a form in which the client enters the postcode of the property to be inspected; the system checks whether the address is within the service area before continuing. The company notes that quotations are not automated and are prepared according to the type of property and the client's specific needs.

Head offices and premises

Local Head office: 312 Edinburgh House, 170 Kennington Lane, London SE11 5DP

Local West London office: Avon House, Avonmore Road, London W14 8TS