As Christmas approaches, I find myself clock-watching burning time on Parliament.tv, waiting for the year to end, so I can enjoy the festive break, hoping next year brings greater successes. This year has been a dismissal performance from a many local planning authorities and the positive planning system we were advised of last year are yet to arrive.

One of yesterdays statements in Parliament (16/12/2025), made by Matthew Pennycook MP, Minister of State for Housing and Planning caught our eye. It marks a significant moment in the government’s ongoing attempt to reform England’s planning system. Framed as the “next phase” of planning reform, the announcement seeks to tackle a problem that has stubbornly resisted decades of policy change: how to deliver enough homes, in the right places, at the right time. Just in time for me to moan it around the xmas table.

Last August, we speculated on what might be attempted to reinvigorate an otherwise dismal area of governance in planning (SilverTeal Blog, August 2024). Today, for those of us working in the built environment, many themes were familiar: slow delivery, inconsistent decision-making, and a system accused of being overly discretionary and risk-averse. What is different this time is the strength of national direction and the explicit willingness to curtail local flexibility in favour of speed and certainty. Yet we still see red tape. We have all just about got our heads around biodiversity net gain targets and fee hikes (which saw an almost doubled fee).
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As ever, the ambition is clear. Whether the outcome matches it is another question something I will continue to ponder. Remember the below has been made in conjunction with an additional £ 48m investment over 3 years in local planning.

At the heart of Pennycook’s statement was a clear diagnosis: the planning system is not delivering enough housing quickly enough. The government’s target of 1.5 million homes during this Parliament is openly acknowledged as being at risk, with planning delays and local resistance identified as key constraints. No real acceleration has occurred, and the government is now almost a third of the way through its term. In fact economic factors have resulted in some large developers pausing their developments due to poor returns. 
https://www.housingtoday.co.uk/news/landsec-pauses-four-schemes-delivering-9000-homes-as-returns-are-insufficient/5139307.article 
The proposed solution to address planning is not wholesale legislative upheaval but a recalibration of national policy, particularly through changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The intent is to reduce uncertainty, narrow the scope for refusal, and tilt the balance decisively in favour of development in locations deemed nationally important. Effectively flood the UK with approvals which should mean more gets built.

This approach reflects a long-running tension in English planning: the balance between local decision-making and national housing need. Today’s announcement suggests that, at least for now, the pendulum is swinging firmly towards the latter. Local councils are going to have a rude awakening. And hopefully they feel their arm be twisted in the direction of pro-development. Something which we feel is yet to come despite years of government positivity on the matter.

The most consequential proposal is a stronger “default yes” principle for housing development in specific locations, particularly urban areas and sites close to public transport. Where local plans are silent, out of date, or insufficiently ambitious, national policy will effectively presume approval.

For developers and landowners, this reduces risk and improves predictability. For local authorities, it further erodes discretion in favour of compliance with national priorities. It also weakens local democratic consultation, limiting the influence of residents who object to large-scale development near them. The moral and social tension here is stark: the country needs more homes, but many people don’t want them built in or near their communities. Garden towns in remote areas may solve numbers, but they are not necessarily the right social or environmental solution.
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Even the principle itself, simple to state, is complex to implement. Questions remain about how design quality, heritage considerations, and environmental constraints will be treated when approval is almost automatic. Practitioners will have to navigate a system where policy compliance may outweigh local nuance, potentially leading to tension between what is allowed and what is desirable.

The statement consistently encourages higher-density development, including infill and redevelopment of under-used urban land. This is a logical response to land scarcity and sustainability objectives.
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Yet density is not a panacea. Done well, it can create vibrant, walkable neighbourhoods; done poorly, it can result in overdevelopment, inadequate amenity provision, and long-term management challenges. In my experience, Britain is fortunate to have a built environment rich in heritage, infilling and poorly considered densification risk damaging that legacy.

Crucially, speed must not come at the expense of quality. Faster approvals do not automatically create better places, and without proper resourcing for planning departments notably absent in today’s announcement there is a real risk that design scrutiny is compromised. My view is clear: streamline procedures, yes, but fund and resource the system adequately so that each development is properly considered and promote proactivity in amending applications to meet the requirements. We find planning still operate with the “please try again later” mentality if they can accept bounce it back and delay the critical path by 3 months.

The government intends to limit local authorities’ ability to impose requirements beyond national standards, particularly around design, energy efficiency, and other policy add-ons.
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From a development perspective, this may simplify the system and improve viability. Yet it comes at the cost of local distinctiveness and ambition. Many councils have historically sought to push higher standards to compensate for national policy gaps. Curtailing this flexibility simplifies delivery but may suppress innovation and quality in the built environment.

A particularly positive yet frustrating aspect of today’s reforms relates to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is the government has proposed exempting smaller and brownfield sites from mandatory BNG requirements (CIEEM response, 16 Dec 2025). We have spent the last year working out how to most cost effectively comply with BNG requirements. Yet all of a sudden the scrappage is welcome and saves money but I have to say I felt this once coming.

The intention is understandable: smaller sites may have less room to deliver formal habitat enhancements, and brownfield sites can be tricky to manage. I love the environment and feel engaging to provide BNG should be something promoted but with less costly procedures behind it. But the consequence is that a significant portion of urban infill developments will no longer be required to provide net ecological benefits. Over time, this could exacerbate habitat loss, reduce green connectivity, and undermine local wildlife. But hey what do we need most? Housing or habitat?
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BNG was meant to be a key tool in making urban development environmentally responsible, but it ultimately created a substantial cost and barrier to planning. Exempting these sites risks turning ecological progress into a box-ticking exercise, especially when many smaller and brownfield plots are precisely where wildlife corridors and local green spaces can be preserved or enhanced. We welcome the decision though and will try to morally continue to promote BNG on sites as we always have just with less red tape.

​As with much planning reform, today’s focus is heavily on numbers. Delivering homes is politically visible and measurable; delivering quality, adaptable, and ecologically sensitive homes is harder to quantify. We often are vocal on this and the fact that houses built tick a box but how many will last the test of time. Particularly in 30 years’ time where the homes built will look tired.
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There is a risk that the system becomes increasingly transactional: permissions granted faster, schemes delivered quickly, but with limited consideration for long-term social, environmental, and design outcomes. Professionals in the sector will need to advocate for good design, biodiversity enhancement, and community engagement, even where policy encourages speed over substance.

In the short term this means nothing. We have had discussions today with planning officers who still push for BNG and if exhempt the unilateral undertakings to confirm exhemption. In the medium term, we are likely (or at least pray) to see a planning environment that is:

• More predictable, for developments aligned with national priorities
• More centralised, with reduced local discretion
• Faster in decision-making, at least at a policy level

Opportunities abound for developers, but responsibilities grow equally. Schemes must be robust, defensible, and compliant, particularly where communities are concerned. Local authorities will face increasing pressure to align with national priorities while still protecting local interests where possible. Also the economical environment must also be there to ensure that once constructed there are people to buy these homes. Something that should also be acknowledged as an area that may be making home builders a little scared.

Today’s announcement should be seen as a direction of the future, not a finished solution. The real impact will depend on detailed policy wording, inspector interpretation, and resourcing. Planning reform has a history of bold announcements followed by uneven outcomes; this iteration will be no different.

Importantly, the proposed BNG exemptions highlight that environmental safeguards may be the first casualty in the race to boost housing numbers but makes the application process far easier that for some makes planning a little more inviting. Speed, certainty, and quality in both the built and natural environment must be treated as complementary, not competing, objectives. Otherwise, the homes we deliver may meet short-term targets but fail the communities, ecosystems, and future generations they are meant to serve.
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Lyrics from Last Christmas by Wham sums up the current planning situation quite well:
Once bitten and twice shy*
I keep my distance, but you still catch my eye
*an unpleasant experience induces caution.
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Merry Christmas!

Joe Marshall BSc (Hons)
Building Surveyor and Director of Silver Teal Ltd

With an expansive career throughout London and Southeast England. Joe brings a wealth of expertise to the Silver Teal Workspace. His extensive experience in both public and private sectors, notably in social housing and emergency services, has honed his proficiency in building pathology and the overall built environment. Joe's academic achievements are highlighted by his 1st Class Honours degree in Building Surveying.

As a director, he is a fervent advocate for nurturing young talent and fostering industry growth. Joe is committed to propelling Silver Teal Workspace forward with his visionary leadership.

If you would like a complimentary discussion with Joe feel free to get in touch

📞 0208 103 4842
✉️ joe@silverteal.co.uk

The new High Value Council Tax Surcharge, the rebranded mansion tax, is being sold as a tidy revenue raiser. Yet for many in the Southeast, where perfectly ordinary family homes now push past £2 million, it is anything but. Within this blog post, we will discuss what the government is planning to do with the UK tax system, which is causing a financial challenge for homeowners. 

From 2028, owners of properties above £2 million will face an annual charge of £2,500 to £7,500. The Treasury expects this to raise around £400 million a year, which in government terms is little more than loose change. And while labelled a national policy, the reality is that London and the Southeast will carry almost all of the burden. Around three quarters of homes over £2 million sit in these regions, so the impact is hardly nationwide. Some will argue that people in £2 million homes can simply afford it. But affordability is not the real issue. What matters is the behaviour the policy triggers, and that is where the damage begins.

Recently I wrote about inheritance tax changes likely to impact farmers and draw more farmland into the net. This new measure feels similar, a smash and grab approach aimed at small, politically safe groups without much thought for the wider consequences. Perhaps the calculation is that these voters do not matter. But the economy certainly does.
Homeowners sitting just above the threshold will pull back on renovations that push them further over it. I am already seeing clients pause projects worth six figures. In my own business we have lost around £10,000 in fees this week alone from schemes now on hold. Multiply this across builders, architects, designers, surveyors and tradespeople, and the small surcharge starts to look like a wide reaching brake on economic activity.

Then there is the cliff edge. A £1.99 million home pays nothing. At £2 million, the bill jumps to thousands a year. Sudden thresholds distort markets. People delay purchases, argue with valuations, or in some cases simply relocate abroad. One of my clients went to Dubai for half term and has not returned. This is not the behaviour of people shrugging off a modest tax, it is the reaction to a structural change that feels arbitrary and punitive.
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All of this sits on top of existing large costs such as Stamp Duty and the growing inheritance tax burden on long term homeowners who bought decades ago when their house cost less than a new hatchback. For many, the cumulative effect is starting to feel like being taxed repeatedly for the same asset simply because its value has risen on paper.

Very little about this feels strategic. It feels like milking the same cow harder while ignoring the holes in the bucket beneath. And if you keep squeezing the same group of people who invest most heavily in property, construction and design, you should not be surprised when the investment dries up.
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This policy will not break my personal life. But in business, and across the many SMEs tied to the property ecosystem, the tremors are already real. If the government wants a thriving economy, it needs to stop scaring off the very people who drive it.

Joe Marshall BSc (Hons)
Building Surveyor and Director of Silver Teal Ltd

With an expansive career throughout London and Southeast England. Joe brings a wealth of expertise to the Silver Teal Workspace. His extensive experience in both public and private sectors, notably in social housing and emergency services, has honed his proficiency in building pathology and the overall built environment. Joe's academic achievements are highlighted by his 1st Class Honours degree in Building Surveying.

As a director, he is a fervent advocate for nurturing young talent and fostering industry growth. Joe is committed to propelling Silver Teal Workspace forward with his visionary leadership.

If you would like a complimentary discussion with Joe feel free to get in touch

📞 0208 103 4842
✉️ joe@silverteal.co.uk

It’s been another summer of rolled-up shirt sleeves, limp sandwiches, and spontaneous debates about whether a desk fan qualifies as “adequate ventilation.” While some revel in the British heatwave as though they’re in a Tuscan vineyard, the reality for most of us stuck in poorly performing buildings is less Chianti and more clammy. From homes to high-rises, there’s one increasingly urgent question we are asked when approached by clients: why are so many buildings still designed, built, or retrofitted without proper consideration for thermal comfort? Or in their wordings "can I make my house less hot?"
 
As a building surveyor working in the construction, I’ve seen how easily comfort is sacrificed for aesthetics, cost-cutting, or simple ignorance. But with rising temperatures, tightening regulations, and increasingly disgruntled occupants, the topic of thermal comfort is no longer niche, it’s essential.

​Thermal comfort, at its core, is the state in which people feel neither too hot nor too cold. Simple to say, devilishly difficult to achieve. It’s governed by a combination of variables, air temperature, surface temperatures, humidity, air movement, clothing, and activity levels. The standards are there: BS EN ISO 7730, ASHRAE 55, CIBSE Guides. They all attempt to quantify comfort in terms that designers can actually use. But therein lies the complication: comfort is inherently subjective. While one office worker is nursing a mug of tea and contemplating a cardigan in July, another three desks over is practically welded to their chair in a pool of perspiration buying the office Cornettos. And yet buildings are typically designed to accommodate one static, average person. The result? A lot of very uncomfortable, very average people. A bit like Brexit no one really feels satisfied.

The issue is becoming harder to ignore, thanks in no small part to increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves. According to the Met Office, UK summer temperatures are now more than 1°C warmer than they were just a few decades ago. That might not seem catastrophic at first glance, but when you consider how tightly calibrated our buildings are to specific comfort ranges, that small increase is enough to tip the balance, especially in structures with poor ventilation, high internal heat gains, or materials that soak up the sun like a sponge. During a heatwave (which are more frequent), even modern buildings can become intolerable, especially if their design favours image over performance. Unfortunately, many do.
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Solar heat gain plays a starring role in this overheating drama. The principle is simple: sunlight hits a surface, passes through glass, and is absorbed by internal finishes, which then re-radiate that energy as heat. In winter, this effect is welcome. In summer, it’s a slow roast. Buildings with large areas of glazing, especially south- and west-facing, are the worst offenders, acting like greenhouses during peak sun hours. Even double glazing isn’t a guaranteed saviour. Unless it’s treated with low-emissivity coatings or fitted with solar control films, it can still let in a significant amount of solar radiation. It’s not uncommon to walk into a supposedly “well-insulated” building and feel like you’ve entered a conservatory on the surface of the sun.

The irony, of course, is that insulation, our wintertime best friend, can become a problematic sidekick in summer. Insulation slows heat transfer, which is generally a good thing. But when heat does get in, through windows, doors, or even from internal sources like equipment and bodies, that same insulation prevents it from escaping. What’s more, many retrofitted or refurbished buildings have added insulation without any thought given to the thermal mass of the structure. Or without considering other elements. Materials like concrete and brick absorb heat slowly and release it slowly, which can be useful in climates with large day-night temperature swings. But in a heatwave where nights remain warm, that thermal mass doesn’t cool down, it just stores heat like a battery, only to release it again at precisely the wrong time. 

It’s at this point that someone, usually a client, mutters the magic words: “What about air con?” Now, air conditioning has its place. I'm a firm believer that there is a certain ceiling limit of cooling a fan can provide noting it nearly circulated the air around a room rather than chills it.  When properly specified, installed, and maintained, a mechanical cooling system can absolutely make a difference. Zoned systems, particularly those paired with intelligent controls and good sensors, can be responsive and efficient. But too often, air conditioning is seen as a plaster over a festering wound. Poor insulation, inadequate shading, and non-existent ventilation are not problems that can be solved simply by chilling the air. Worse still, many systems are installed without consideration for the building’s existing performance, leading to situations where one part of a room is freezing and another is stifling. And, of course, there’s the small matter of energy consumption. Air conditioning doesn’t just burn kilowatt-hours; it can also indirectly contribute to the very climate conditions it’s trying to alleviate, particularly if it’s using outdated refrigerants or operating inefficiently. Please also consider the subtle whering of the external mounted unit that required planning consent to.

So what’s the alternative? In new-build projects and comprehensive refurbishments, the answer lies in passive design strategies. These are not new ideas; they’re just ideas that have fallen out of fashion in the age of cheap mechanical solutions. External shading, for example, is incredibly effective at preventing solar gain in the first place. Overhangs, brise-soleil, and dynamic blinds can block high-angle summer sun while still allowing winter light through. Natural ventilation, achieved through carefully positioned openings, can encourage airflow across a space, removing heat without any energy input. At night, high-level vents or rooflights can purge built-up heat, particularly when coupled with exposed thermal mass. Even something as simple as painting a roof white can reduce its surface temperature by several degrees, which, in turn, helps keep the whole building cooler.
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That’s not to say passive design can do everything. In certain buildings, especially those with high occupancy, significant equipment loads, or noise constraints that prevent window opening, mechanical systems are sometimes necessary. But the goal should always be to reduce reliance on these systems, not to use them as a substitute for good design. A building that stays cool most of the time through passive means and only resorts to mechanical cooling during extreme conditions is far more resilient than one that needs the air con running at full blast from May to September.

This discussion is not just theoretical. With the introduction of Approved Document O in 2022, the regulatory environment is finally catching up. New dwellings must now be assessed for overheating risk, particularly in urban areas and those exposed to external noise. Developers can no longer rely on vague assumptions or visual gags about “natural ventilation” and “shading potential.” Thermal modelling, overheating simulations, and occupant comfort projections are fast becoming standard elements of any construction design submission. And rightly so (although the costings of such another thorn in the side of developers profit margins). Because this isn’t just about comfort anymore, it’s about health.

Overheating in buildings can have serious consequences. Prolonged exposure to indoor temperatures above 26°C has been linked to increased risk of cardiovascular events, reduced cognitive function, and even sleep disruption. For vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, very young children, or those with chronic illnesses, these effects can be life-threatening. As building professionals, we have a duty not just to build safe structures, but to build environments that support wellbeing.

From a commercial standpoint, there’s also a strong business case for better thermal design and consideration. Buildings that maintain comfort without guzzling energy are more desirable to tenants and buyers alike. They command higher prices, suffer fewer complaints, and increasingly attract preferential financing and insurance rates. As operational energy becomes more scrutinised, especially in net zero discussions, buildings that minimise summer cooling loads will be ahead of the curve. And for facilities managers, lower energy bills are always welcome, particularly in the face of volatile pricing and carbon reporting requirements.

In practice, the key is integrated thinking. Don’t treat thermal comfort as a bolt-on or a last-minute fix. Consider it as part of the core brief. Understand how the orientation, glazing ratios, materials, and HVAC strategy all interact. On refurbishments, look closely at where insulation can help and where it might trap unwanted heat. Specify glass carefully double glazing is not a blanket solution unless it incorporates appropriate coatings. On new builds, challenge the architect to include shading and cross-ventilation. On all projects, model thermal behaviour, don’t just guess.
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Because the truth is, buildings should be sanctuaries. They should protect us not just from storms and damp, but from heat and fatigue. They should allow us to sleep, think, work, and live in comfort, even as the climate grows more unpredictable. That’s the challenge of modern construction, and it’s one we’re more than capable of meeting, provided we take it seriously, and maybe, just maybe, stop pretending that a ceiling fan counts as innovation. Keeping the property cool in the first place is essential.

So the next time someone tells you they’re sweating through another heatwave in their “energy efficient” flat, don’t just nod sympathetically. Ask about the glazing. Ask about the shading. Ask what modelling was done. Because comfort isn’t just a matter of luxury, it’s the new benchmark for building performance in the 21st century. And it’s about time we treated it that way. 

​Joe Marshall BSc (Hons)
Building Surveyor and Director of Silver Teal Ltd

With an expansive career throughout London and Southeast England. Joe brings a wealth of expertise to the Silver Teal Workspace. His extensive experience in both public and private sectors, notably in social housing and emergency services, has honed his proficiency in building pathology and the overall built environment. Joe's academic achievements are highlighted by his 1st Class Honours degree in Building Surveying.

As a director, he is a fervent advocate for nurturing young talent and fostering industry growth. Joe is committed to propelling Silver Teal Workspace forward with his visionary leadership.

If you would like a complimentary discussion with Joe feel free to get in touch

📞 0208 103 4842
✉️ joe@silverteal.co.uk

Let’s be honest, nobody gets into property development or construction because they love paperwork. But if there is one thing that consistently makes or breaks a project, it is the contract administration and the quality of the documents that support it. At SilverTeal, we specialise in project management, contract administration, architectural design, building surveying, tender documentation, procurement, and even helping you avoid those dreaded contractor disputes.
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We have seen it all, from dream residential conversions to commercial refurbishments and everything in between. While most of our work does not involve your average loft extension or kitchen upgrade, we often assist first-time developers or property enthusiasts who are taking their first steps into the world of new builds or refurb projects. And believe us when we say that first step is best taken with the right team and the right documents by your side.

Great question. As contract administrators and project managers, our job is to oversee the delivery of a project, ensuring that it is progressing in line with the agreed contract, design, costings, and timelines. More often than not, we are involved from the early design and specification stages, handling everything from quantity surveying to procurement and tender documentation.
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This early involvement gives us, and by extension our clients, a massive advantage. We know what has been allowed for in the contract, what is included in the specifications, and what should be expected on site. It is this depth of understanding that keeps your project on track and your contractor on their toes.

You would not build a house on sand, so why run a project on a shaky contract.

We have picked up more than one job where the contract is already in place, and sometimes we would not have signed it ourselves. Whether it is a JCT or NEC contract, having a robust, clearly defined agreement is crucial. And yet, many smaller developers or enthusiastic homeowners turned developers underestimate just how vital that paperwork is.
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Take this as a classic example. In a recent project we administered, the original specification failed to identify the qualifications or competencies required for tradespeople. There was no requirement for a certified plumber to handle plumbing or a skilled carpenter for joinery. Sounds basic, right. But without that clarity, it becomes near impossible to challenge the contractor if someone unqualified turns up with a hammer and good intentions.

Another common issue is the lack of detailed product and workmanship specifications. One client wanted the flooring laid in a specific pattern, but the contract merely said install flooring. The result was disputes, delays, and confusion. A few lines in the design pack could have avoided the entire issue.
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When we prepare specifications, we go beyond fit the kitchen or install bathroom. We spell out the materials, installation methods, and even the screws if necessary, because clarity now saves arguments and money later. After all, you might be making design decisions in Year One that will not physically show up on site until Year Two.

Here is a bit of a horror story for you. We were recently approached by a client who had undertaken a sizeable construction job without a contract. Not even a basic one.

Now, we have all signed contracts in our daily lives, buying a car, signing up for a mobile plan, even agreeing to the risks of kayaking down a fast-flowing river. So why would anyone go into a three hundred-thousand-pound build without a formal agreement. It makes no sense.

Without a written contract, your options are limited when things go wrong. Even a basic contract is better than nothing. But a well drafted, detailed one is your insurance policy, your safety net, and often your best tool for resolving disputes without chaos or court.

We always advise our clients to set aside a contingency sum, usually around ten percent of the total construction cost. This is not your slush fund to buy a hot tub or upgrade to Italian marble countertops. It is there to cover unforeseen variations, omissions in the design pack, or additional details required during the build.
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A good specification and design pack should reduce the need to dip into that pot. But if it is used, it should be used wisely. And if it is not, that just means more budget for a round of drinks to celebrate a job well done.

In our experience, large commercial developers tend to have robust processes and teams in place to manage contract risk. But smaller scale developers, those doing one or two projects a year, often miss key elements that protect their investment.

Whether it is the absence of a proper tender pack, unclear design documents, or a lack of legal understanding of contract law, these gaps can lead to increased costs, delayed programmes, and reduced build quality.
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Our job is to help plug those gaps. From frequent site visits and monthly valuation meetings to quick phone calls when something does not feel quite right, we tailor our services to suit the needs of each client.

At SilverTeal, we know how stressful a construction project can be, especially when things start going wrong. That is why we always say, get it right from the start.

Solid contract documentation, accurate design and specification packs, and a competent team to oversee the build. It is not just about ticking boxes. It is about protecting your investment, your peace of mind, and your final result.
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So if you are about to take on a construction project, whether it is your first or your fiftieth, give us a call. We are happy to provide honest advice, review your plans, or take on full project management. Sometimes a five-minute chat can save you five months of headaches.
And remember, a stitch in time does not just save nine, it might save £90,000.

Joe Marshall BSc (Hons)
Building Surveyor and Director of Silver Teal Ltd

With an expansive career throughout London and Southeast England. Joe brings a wealth of expertise to the Silver Teal Workspace. His extensive experience in both public and private sectors, notably in social housing and emergency services, has honed his proficiency in building pathology and the overall built environment. Joe's academic achievements are highlighted by his 1st Class Honours degree in Building Surveying.

As a director, he is a fervent advocate for nurturing young talent and fostering industry growth. Joe is committed to propelling Silver Teal Workspace forward with his visionary leadership.

If you would like a complimentary discussion with Joe feel free to get in touch

📞 0208 103 4842
✉️ joe@silverteal.co.uk

One quiet Thursday evening, I was sitting at home, diligently working through a few lingering tasks, when my evening peace was shattered by a thunderous crash. This wasn’t your average domestic thud. No, this was a full-bodied, echoing clatter that immediately had me upright and on alert. The kind of sound that makes you instinctively mutter, “Well, that can’t be good."
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At first, I assumed a vehicle must’ve veered off the narrow lane that winds through our quiet countryside hamlet. But as I stepped outside, it quickly became clear that the chaos had occurred far closer to home. The noise, reminiscent of a tonne of bricks being hurled from a great height, had in fact come from next door. My neighbour’s garage had entirely collapsed—front and side walls reduced to rubble, the timber and slate roof in splinters, and the poor car inside looking like it had narrowly survived a war zone.
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Now, as someone who deals with buildings and their shortcomings on a daily basis, I’d love to say I was completely surprised. But truthfully, I wasn’t. I’d been watching that garage’s slow decline over the past several weeks, quietly observing its increasingly noticeable lean and sag. The mortar joints were gaping, timbers warping, and I’d even made a passing comment to my neighbour that the structure looked, in technical terms, “a bit dodgy.” Unfortunately, structures don’t always afford you a generous grace period once they start to fail.
This little incident was a stark reminder that while we, as building professionals, spend our days identifying and analysing structural failings in commercial or public buildings, issues closer to home can escalate just as dramatically. We are often exposed to decayed brickwork, sagging roofs, and questionable DIY extensions, but there’s something sobering about a collapse occurring quite literally on your doorstep.

What happened here wasn’t a freak accident. Buildings very rarely fail without warning. In fact, most of them try to tell us what’s wrong before things go horribly wrong. That’s the key point. Buildings don’t collapse silently or instantly. They crack, creak, shift, and lean. They give you clues—sometimes subtle, sometimes glaring—long before gravity takes its final toll.
In this particular case, there are several likely reasons why the garage failed. One of the most common causes is change in ground condition. Subsidence, for instance, can cause previously stable ground to shift, especially in clay-rich soils where moisture content varies seasonally. Heave is another culprit, where the ground swells due to increased moisture or root removal. Either of these conditions can throw off a building’s equilibrium and cause walls to lean or buckle under their own weight. And once that balance is upset, it doesn’t take much for collapse to follow.
Buildings also fail when their foundations are poorly constructed or insufficient for the loads they bear. If the original structure was erected on shallow footings or with materials not suited to long-term support, deterioration becomes inevitable. Water ingress plays a major role too—once moisture seeps into structural elements, it can rot timber, corrode steel, or degrade masonry, slowly compromising the integrity of the whole structure. And let’s not forget overloading. Adding heavy new elements to an ageing or lightly-built structure—be it storage, plant equipment, or even an additional floor—can tip the scales quite literally.

What’s frustrating is that these issues are usually visible. In the weeks leading up to the garage collapse, the tell-tale signs were all there: the widening cracks, the slumped roofline, the increasingly crooked angle of the walls. But because the building was small, non-habitable, and perhaps not considered "important," those signs were either missed or ignored.
It’s also important to consider the human element—negligence or lack of maintenance. Even the best-built structures can fail if they aren’t cared for. Roofs require regular checking, gutters need clearing, pointing must be maintained, and any signs of rot or damp should be tackled quickly. Ageing buildings especially demand more frequent attention, and yet it’s common for owners to adopt a “wait and see” approach. Unfortunately, when it comes to structural stability, waiting often leads to very expensive seeing.
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Now, you might wonder who’s responsible when a building fails and causes damage—be it to property, vehicles, or heaven forbid, people. The answer is: the owner. As a property owner, you have a legal duty of care not only to yourself and your tenants, but to your neighbours and the public. If a wall collapses and injures someone, or causes damage next door, you could find yourself liable. That’s not only a financial risk—it’s a moral and legal one too.

​That’s why we always recommend that any suspected structural issues are investigated promptly. Our surveying practice offers initial assessments to help you understand the extent of a problem. If there’s cause for concern, we bring in structural engineers to carry out a deeper analysis using precise tools, calculations, and inspections to determine what’s wrong and how to fix it. It’s always better to catch these issues early, when repairs are manageable, rather than waiting until a building is unsalvageable—or dangerous.

Buildings fail for many reasons—subsidence, poor foundations, water damage, overloading, neglect—but in almost all cases, the signs are visible if you know what to look for. Cracks, leaning, sagging, and damp are not just aesthetic issues—they’re red flags. And while not every wonky outbuilding is about to collapse, a quick professional look can give peace of mind or prompt action before disaster strikes.
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In the end, the garage collapse next door was a dramatic reminder of the very work I do every day. It was also a wake-up call to homeowners everywhere: even in a sleepy hamlet, structural failure isn’t some distant threat. It’s very real, and sometimes very close to home. So, take those creaks and cracks seriously. And if in doubt, call someone who knows what they’re looking at. Preferably before your car ends up under a pile of slate and bricks.

Joe Marshall BSc (Hons)
Building Surveyor and Director of Silver Teal Ltd

With an expansive career throughout London and Southeast England. Joe brings a wealth of expertise to the Silver Teal Workspace. His extensive experience in both public and private sectors, notably in social housing and emergency services, has honed his proficiency in building pathology and the overall built environment. Joe's academic achievements are highlighted by his 1st Class Honours degree in Building Surveying.

As a director, he is a fervent advocate for nurturing young talent and fostering industry growth. Joe is committed to propelling Silver Teal Workspace forward with his visionary leadership.

If you would like a complimentary discussion with Joe feel free to get in touch

📞 0208 103 4842
✉️ joe@silverteal.co.uk

​Cavity walls have been common place in construction and have been since the late 1800s. Their implementation in Britain became the go-to method of post-war era construction and continue to be widely used. Although timber frame systems are often used in twenty first century home building due to their cost and time saving benefits they bring generating improved profits for the developers.

​The method of construction grew in application due to the walls superior characteristics. The cavity (air gap) is good at keeping heat in and stopping issues like condensation caused by thermal bridging often observed on traditional solid wall construction. The gap between the internal and external layers of the wall acts as a thermal barrier/break, helping to keep homes warm and dry. According to the BRE Report 262: Thermal Insulation—Avoiding Risks, a well-maintained cavity reduces damp and mould inside the house. Early cavity walls up to the late 1975s were not generally insulated. This upon reflection has left them vulnerable to moisture and overtime may be a hidden pandemic.

Typically the internal leaf of a cavity wall structure is load bearing and the outer portion play a more stability and aesthetic purpose. The two leafs are held together by metal ties ensuring a sturdy structure. Cavity wall ties are metal pieces/clips installed, spanning the cavity, to hold the inner and outer walls together. This in effect should be the only breach in the structure and have been knows to create a potential weak spot. Modern ties are generally stainless steel and designed to hold their integrity far better than their earlier ancestors; however, most ties made in the mid-20th century used galvanised steel. Unfortunately the galvanised coating and manufacturing practices wasn’t always up to scratch, as noted in the BRE Good Repair Guide 59: Understanding Cavity Wall Construction. Over time, exposure to moisture has caused some ties to corrode behind their protective coatings. The occurrence of tie deterioration in a lot of properties has been leading to serious issues and it may be getting worse. 

As observed the front of your house could just fall off which it isn’t suppose to do.


​

​Spotting problems with cavity wall ties isn’t always easy particularly during ordinary surveys, but the BRE Good Repair Guide 62 provides a roadmap. It starts with looking for signs like cracks or bulging in the outside walls, then using tools like borescopes or metal detectors to check the ties themselves. If you find corrosion, the guide uses a four-point scale to rate the damage:

1. No significant corrosion: The ties are fine.
2. Mild corrosion: Some rust is visible but doesn’t impact the structure.
3. Severe corrosion: Rust has caused cracking or movement in the wall.
4. Failure: The ties are broken, and the wall’s stability is at risk.

If the damage is severe, as mentioned in BRE Digest 401: Replacing Cavity Wall Ties, parts of the wall may need to be rebuilt to fix the problem. At present the post of retrospective repairs is severe.

​Why do these ties fail? It comes down to the materials and exposure to the elements. Galvanised steel ties, widely used from the 1940s to the 1970s, often had flaws in their protective coating. Those flaws left the steel exposed, and moisture in the cavity sped up the corrosion process.

A study in the Journal of Structural Engineering (2017) found that rust on the ties can lead to even more damage. As the rust expands, it causes cracks in the walls, which only make things worse. The study also flagged large-scale housing estates from the post-war building boom—places like the Barking and Dagenham estates (which I was part of a survey team on in 2017-19) was being particularly vulnerable due to rushed construction and lower-quality materials observed in the post war housing boom. This means that even if the percentage of properties impacted is small the impact on the built environment may be catastrophic. Ultimately wall ties failure can result in severe injuries and death. My opinion is that to social housing this may become the new fire and billions is needed to fix the problem.

​When wall ties fail, the impact can be huge. The external wall, no longer properly supported, might crack, bulge, or even collapse in extreme cases. The BRE Good Repair Guide 62 stresses that catching the problem early is essential to avoid these outcomes. But if entire housing estates are affected, the safety and financial consequences could be massive.
There’s also a financial ripple effect. Many of these homes are privately owned now, thanks to the Right to Buy scheme. That means the responsibility for repairs falls on individual homeowners instead of councils or housing associations. A 2022 report in the Journal of Building Surveying and Construction Safety pointed out that homes with failed ties might become unmortgageable, making them harder to sell and devaluing the property.

​Fixing failing wall ties involves replacing the old ones with modern stainless steel versions. These new ties are corrosion-resistant and meet today’s standards, like BS 1243:2019. According to BRE Digest 329: Replacing Wall Ties, the process usually includes:

• Surveying: Figuring out the condition of the existing ties.
• Installation: Putting in new ties with the right spacing and alignment.
• Rebuilding: Repairing or replacing damaged parts of the wall, if necessary.

For homes with external wall insulation, repairs can get tricky. Insulation panels often have to be removed to access the cavity, which drives up costs. The Journal of Retrofit Technologies (2021) notes that this extra complexity can make homeowners hesitant to tackle the problem.

​This issue isn’t small. Estimates suggest that millions of UK homes built between the 1940s and 1980s are at risk because of ageing wall ties. Some experts are comparing this to past crises, like asbestos or the fire safety concerns after Grenfell. If it turns into a widespread problem, the cost of repairs could run into billions of pounds.

​If your home was built between 1940 and 1980, getting a cavity wall survey is a smart move. This is especially important if you’re buying a property or planning major renovations. The BRE Good Repair Guide 62 offers a clear framework for checking wall tie conditions and deciding on next steps.
​
For surveyors and contractors, it’s time to get up to speed on cavity wall tie assessment. The Journal of Construction Surveying Standards (2020) notes that there’s currently no standard qualification for these surveys. Bridging that gap will be essential as demand for these skills rises.

​The potential failure of cavity wall ties in post-war homes is a problem that’s flying under the radar for many homeowners. But its impact on safety, property values, and repair costs could be huge. Acting early—through proper surveys and repairs—can help avoid a much bigger crisis down the line.
As the housing industry braces for what could be a widespread issue, it’s clear that lessons from previous challenges, like asbestos and fire safety, should guide the response. For now, awareness is key. Knowing the history of your home’s construction and getting professional advice when needed can go a long way in protecting your property.

​Joe Marshall BSc (Hons)
Building Surveyor and Director of Silver Teal Ltd

With an expansive career throughout London and Southeast England. Joe brings a wealth of expertise to the Silver Teal Workspace. His extensive experience in both public and private sectors, notably in social housing and emergency services, has honed his proficiency in building pathology and the overall built environment. Joe's academic achievements are highlighted by his 1st Class Honours degree in Building Surveying.

As a director, he is a fervent advocate for nurturing young talent and fostering industry growth. Joe is committed to propelling Silver Teal Workspace forward with his visionary leadership.

If you would like a complimentary discussion with Joe feel free to get in touch

📞 0208 103 4842
✉️ joe@silverteal.co.uk

A couple of years ago, I made the move from a suburban London borough to the countryside in a Home County, seeking a better quality of life while still maintaining proximity to transport links for work. The move opened my eyes to rural life. I’ve become increasingly aware that 70% of the country’s land area is used for farming, with a significant portion protected under agricultural designations. These protections make it challenging and almost near impossible to repurpose land for development, even amidst a housing crisis that demands innovative solutions. (Message from Labour “watch that space”.

With substantial economic and housing demands and an eager new government, the perspective many take is to target rich “Tory” farmers suggesting they turn farmland into housing and are taxed more. Whilst my expertise is property and building I personally feel that in a world of uncertainty, being an island is a blessing, and self-sufficiency offers great benefits—it allows control over food quality and cost. Basic supply and demand principles suggest that losing supply will drive costs. Farmland may be vast, but its value, particularly for farmers, is limited and doesn’t always equate to money in the pocket. The land may be worth a lot (to some), but ultimately, it needs to be worked by farmers—an occupation that is in gradual decline. 

I believe it is never beneficial to encourage farmers to sell or develop their land or, worse, to convert lush green fields into the red-brick developments of Taylor Wimpey new-builds but there may be more modest opportunities to make an extra buck and support regional economies. Yet maintain the farming culture.

What opportunities currently exist for farmers to diversify their land, ensures financial stability, yet avoid the temptation to turn to new-build developments, which seem to be the most obvious solution to the housing crisis?

This blog has been written in light of recent changes in inheritance exemptions for farmers, which may create significant challenges for those who feed the nation.

Personal note:
I recently become interested in the topic of the farming industry when I watched a TV series which opened my eyes and may have even been a factor into where I moved to. The series Clarkson’s Farm saw former Top Gear host (and public disappointment) Jeremy Clarkson attempt to show the difficulties of running a farm. Of course, there were plenty of innuendos and a few instances of tractors reversing into hedgerows, but the show did open the nation’s eyes to some of the difficulties. In particular the challenges of securing planning permission for developments that would enhance a farm’s financial stability. I found this aspect of the show to be sensationalising town planning, but it made me realise there is some merit in assisting farmers, as we’ve started to see. It’s put farming in the public eye and may even be a substantial contributing factor in why recent taxation announcements and protests have made the 6 o’clock news. It is important to note that Clarkson did buy the land to avoid tax and as a result there may be some merit in better executed tax changes with further exemptions.  Furthermore most farmers do not have millions of followers who would happily turned a portion of the Cotswolds in to a weird kind of motor enthusiast Mecca or queue in the rain for a pint of “cow juice”.

 ​The UK boasts some of the most fertile agricultural land in Europe, with rolling hills, pastures, and arable fields making the countryside a defining feature of the nation. In addition welfare and farming standards are generally higher than other European nations in theory making produce more valuable.
Yet, farmers face mounting pressures these are some factors we have noted in passing discussions with our clients:

• Profitability Challenges: Many farms operate at a loss or break even, with over 16% of farms reporting negative profit margins in recent years.
• Inheritance Tax Changes: The government’s recent budget proposals, which reduce inheritance tax reliefs for farmland, have sparked backlash and financial concerns for farming families.
• Housing Crisis: The UK needs an estimated 300,000 new homes annually to meet demand, yet much of the land suitable for housing remains untapped due to agricultural restrictions.

Agricultural land is often classified under protected designations, such as Green Belt or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which prevent large-scale residential developments. This protection exists to safeguard food production and preserve the rural landscape, but it creates hurdles for farmers seeking to adapt to modern economic challenges.

​We believe that there are definitely opportunities for farm land and many protections need to be altered with careful considerations particularly to promote small developments and schemes.

Despite current restrictions implemented on much farm land opportunities for diversification do exist. Farmers can use permitted development rights (PDR) to repurpose certain buildings without undergoing full planning approval. Key areas of opportunity include:

Converting Agricultural Buildings:
Farmers can transform disused barns, storage sheds, or other buildings into residential, commercial, or tourism spaces. PDR allows for changes such as: 

1. Converting up to 465 square meters of farm buildings into homes (Class Q).
2. Using existing structures for farm shops, cafes, or community spaces, provided external appearances remain unchanged.

Tourism and Short-Term Rentals:
Converting farmworker accommodations or unused spaces into Airbnb-style properties or holiday lets is another lucrative avenue. However, working farms must balance practicality and safety concerns when hosting visitors.

Renewable Energy Projects:
With the UK’s push towards sustainability, farmers can explore using their land for solar farms or wind energy projects. These not only generate income but also align with environmental goals.

we have also recently assisted in conversion of agricultural land into a bio fuel production plan which planning is generally supportive on due to pressures on renewable fuel production.

The government must recognise the potential in enabling farmers to diversify responsibly while maintaining agricultural integrity. Policymakers should consider:

• Incentives for Sustainable Development: Introducing grants or tax reliefs for converting farm buildings into eco-friendly housing or tourism ventures.
• Flexible Planning Policies: Allowing more agricultural land to be reclassified for small-scale, sustainable housing developments.
• Support for Agri-Tech Innovation: Encouraging high-tech farming methods that increase yield on less land, freeing up portions for development without compromising food security.

These changes could help address the housing crisis, boost rural economies, and support struggling farmers.

​Agriculture is more than just food production; it’s a cornerstone of Britain’s cultural and economic fabric. However, without financial resilience, farms risk falling into disrepair. A study found that 20% of farm buildings are in a state of neglect due to lack of investment—a trend that could worsen if inheritance taxes and profitability pressures persist.
At the same time, the UK imports a significant portion of its food, often from South America and Africa, despite having the capacity for greater self-sufficiency. Encouraging adaptive land use could strike a balance between preserving farmland and meeting housing demands.

​Farmers hold the key to unlocking development potential in rural areas. Whether it’s through PDR, innovative conversions, or engaging with local authorities to explore reclassification options, the opportunities are vast.
As the conversation around farmland, housing, and inheritance taxes evolves, it’s crucial to support farmers in making their land work for them—not just for today, but for future generations. By embracing forward-thinking strategies and advocating for policy reform, we can ensure that British agriculture thrives while addressing pressing societal needs.
If you’re a farmer considering development opportunities, our team is here to guide you through the process, from feasibility assessments to planning applications. Together, we can create sustainable solutions that benefit you and your community.

​This blog post not only highlights the challenges faced by farmers but also positions them as pivotal players in addressing the UK’s housing and sustainability crises.

Joe Marshall BSc (Hons)
Building Surveyor and Director of Silver Teal Ltd

With an expansive career throughout London and Southeast England. Joe brings a wealth of expertise to the Silver Teal Workspace. His extensive experience in both public and private sectors, notably in social housing and emergency services, has honed his proficiency in building pathology and the overall built environment. Joe's academic achievements are highlighted by his 1st Class Honours degree in Building Surveying.

As a director, he is a fervent advocate for nurturing young talent and fostering industry growth. Joe is committed to propelling Silver Teal Workspace forward with his visionary leadership.

If you would like a complimentary discussion with Joe feel free to get in touch

📞 0208 103 4842
✉️ joe@silverteal.co.uk

Buying a flat—whether in a Victorian conversion, purpose-built block, or a modern development—comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities. These often far differ from owning a house which many fail to understand. One of the most common questions we’re asked by potential buyers, particularly in Greater London and other bustling areas like Birmingham, Oxford, and Worcester, is:
"Should I get a survey on a flat?" 
The short answer? Absolutely.
Obviously as with all large purchases in your life you to want to be sure upon purchase it is as expected and a flat is no difference.
But let’s dive into the details to understand why this is so important.

​Purchasing a flat often (as a rule of thumb) means you are buying a leasehold property, which brings its own unique responsibilities. While the freeholder or management company usually looks after the building’s exterior and communal areas, leaseholders often share the financial burden for repairs and maintenance. This is where the infamous Section 20 notices come into play. In addition you as expected need to maintain up keep of the interior.

​Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, Section 20 requires freeholders to consult leaseholders before undertaking significant works—those costing more than £250 per leaseholder. While this might sound reassuring, it often means unexpected bills for leaseholders when major repairs or refurbishments are needed.
Imagine discovering that the roof needs urgent repairs or the entire block requires fire safety upgrades after you’ve bought the property. These costs can run into tens of thousands of pounds, so understanding the condition of the building before you commit is crucial. Often surveyors will assess the interior but we generally try to assess what is visible externally.

​While Victorian properties are characterful and often spacious, they can come with hidden problems. Issues like structural movement, damp, and outdated wiring are common. In addition to this conversions were generally undertaken from the 1950s up to present day turning what would have been a large home into smaller dwellings. Similarly, purpose-built blocks, whether from the mid-20th century or more recent developments, may face challenges such as defective cladding, poor insulation, or communal areas in need of maintenance.
A survey will assess the flat’s condition and allow you a clearer picture of any potential  works and costs you may face, both internally and in shared areas.

​For flats, we usually recommend a Level 2 type Survey.
This type of survey provides:

• A detailed review of the flat’s internal condition, including elements like the kitchen, bathroom, and structural aspects within the property boundary where observable.
• An overarching assessment of the building, including the exterior and communal areas, to identify potential issues.
• Recommendations for future work and we have a tendency to provide aftercare which includes estimated costs and recommendations for suitable trades..

While a Level 2 survey doesn’t go into the granular detail of a full structural survey, it’s often sufficient for flats where you’re not responsible for the building’s structure.

​Since the Grenfell tragedy, fire safety regulations have tightened significantly. The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced stricter requirements for high-rise and multi-occupancy buildings, which often mean costly upgrades for fire doors, fire stopping, and other safety measures.
These changes are particularly relevant to flat buyers, as the costs for compliance are frequently passed on to leaseholders. A survey can highlight potential fire safety concerns, giving you a clearer picture of what to expect in terms of future bills or disputes with the freeholder. It is not uncommon particularly on smaller properties with only a few flats for fire compliance to be poor. Remember buying into a flat means having to deal with the practices of those who maintain it. When fire related I would personally be sure its safe before signing up.

​When buying a leasehold flat, it’s important to consider the freeholder’s attitude towards maintenance and upgrades. Are they proactive, or do they tend to neglect the building? A poorly managed block can lead to higher costs in the long run and may even affect the flat’s resale value.

​Without a survey, you’re essentially buying blind. Issues like damp, outdated wiring, or even major structural concerns could be lurking, ready to eat into your budget later. And let’s not forget the shared liabilities—if the building’s exterior or communal areas are in poor condition, you could be hit with substantial unexpected costs.

​With extensive experience surveying properties in London, Birmingham, Oxford, Worcester, and beyond, we understand the unique challenges of leasehold flats  and can advise. Our surveys are tailored to give you the peace of mind you need when making such a significant investment.
We provide clear, jargon-free reports that outline potential issues, recommended works, and estimated costs, helping you make an informed decision.

​If you’re considering purchasing a flat, don’t leave anything to chance. Contact us today to discuss your surveying needs. We’ll guide you through the process, ensuring you have all the information you need to make a confident purchase.

​Remember, a survey is not just a formality—it’s your insurance policy against unexpected surprises. After all, no one wants their dream flat to become a financial nightmare.

​Joe Marshall BSc (Hons)
Building Surveyor and Director of Silver Teal Ltd

With an expansive career throughout London and Southeast England. Joe brings a wealth of expertise to the Silver Teal Workspace. His extensive experience in both public and private sectors, notably in social housing and emergency services, has honed his proficiency in building pathology and the overall built environment. Joe's academic achievements are highlighted by his 1st Class Honours degree in Building Surveying.

As a director, he is a fervent advocate for nurturing young talent and fostering industry growth. Joe is committed to propelling Silver Teal Workspace forward with his visionary leadership.

If you would like a complimentary discussion with Joe feel free to get in touch

📞 0208 103 4842
✉️ joe@silverteal.co.uk

Every now and then, my team and I like to play a little game I call the "Surveyor’s Where’s Wally". The purpose of this is to  keeps the young ones out of trouble but also top up our skill of spotting defects (as the kids say IRL "in real Life"). We drop a random pin on a map—urban, suburban, or occasionally rural (if you fancy seeing something somber). We then Inspect the area virtually. It’s all in good fun, but what we find is anything but amusing. Drop a pin anywhere in cities like London, Manchester, Oxford, or Birmingham, and there’s a high chance you’ll land with some pivoting on a building that’s suffering from maintenance issues. Rotten windows, failing brickwork, leaking gutter and dodgy roofing are par for the course. Even worse on occasions, we do also witness deterioration such as Structural lintel failure.
​
Recently, I realised that this isn’t in isolated cases either. A staggering 20% of England’s housing stock predates 1919, with over 35% built before 1945. That’s millions of homes—many privately rented or owned by social landlords—creaking under the weight of time and neglect. (Source: English Housing Survey, MHCLG).

I have never completed a survey or a building (other than spanking new builds) that have had zero defects to report!!

The UK has some of the oldest housing stock in Europe and world (beside the odd preserved cave or Wigwam) my hamlet alone contains buildings which pre dates America (1776). Although a large portion was built during the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly during the Industrial Revolution. Entire streets of terrace houses popped up to accommodate a booming workforce of the cities and towns) . Many of these homes were constructed solidly and even beautifully see our recent post on a 1930s catalogue we found. But time takes its toll. The test of time is a mean one! Much of our industrial and city located housing stock even withstood five years of Germany’s mass deconstruction scheme in the 1940s (the Bitlz). I cant remember the reason for the war but my hypothesis is that Hitler was jealous of our well constructed suburbs.
​
The post-war housing booms, partially funded by the Marshal Plan (of no connection to myself) in the 1950s and 1960s brought a new wave of construction relied on less durable materials like concrete and steel  with a "get it up for now" attituded. 

One major challenge we face is the sheer volume of housing stock owned by landlords. Approximately 20% of UK households are in private rentals, with another 17% in social housing (ONS, 2024). In many cases, landlords have little incentive—or funding—to undertake major repairs. And let’s be honest, maintenance isn’t as glamorous as chasing rental yields. The last generation greatly benefited from minimal maintenance and experiencing full rental yields (albeit lower than today). Potentially creating a headache for their past life beneficiaries.
​
Compounding this is the government’s focus on energy efficiency, which is commendable but often short-sighted. Retrofitting older buildings with insulation or double glazing without addressing underlying structural issues can accelerate deterioration. It’s like putting a fancy new coat on a crumbling statue—looks great until it all falls apart. 

“But surely, we’re building new houses to replace the old ones?” you ask. Ah, if only.
New builds, often constructed by a small group of developers, account for less than 200,000 new homes annually—far short of the estimated 300,000 needed to meet demand (ONS, 2023). Worse still, the quality of many new builds leaves much to be desired.
​
While the 1930s houses stand the test of time (with a bit of care), today’s new builds seem to age like a Greg Wallace impression. Thin walls, cheap finishes, and questionable construction practices reaching the age of 60 before it all comes crashing down. By comparison, Victorian and Edwardian homes, while high-maintenance, were built with longevity in mind. This means that while we challenge the service of new build housing, I have all confidence that those built 50 to 100 years prior will remain standing (of course with elemental upgrades).

So, where does this leave us? Here’s the crux of the issue:

1. Old homes are aging faster than we can care to repair them.
2. New homes are not being built at the scale or quality needed.
3. Retrofitting for energy efficiency nationally is being prioritised over structural integrity.​

This trifecta of trouble spells disaster for the future of Britain’s housing stock. Over the next 30 years, I expect to see a dramatic increase in demand for building surveys, repairs, and maintenance as properties deteriorate further. And a potential increase in properties that are unvaluable. But who will pay for this?
For individual homeowners, the burden is financial. For landlords, it’s about juggling ROI and repair costs. And for the government, it’s about navigating an already tight budget. Unfortunately, it feels like we’re kicking the proverbial can down the road, with no real long-term plan. Despite this if you are a landlord that has engaged in maintenance planning and surveys, well done. A few thousand pounds spent on surveys has had a large lasting impact on your accounts through saving and cost planning. 

​While I’m not in charge of government housing policy (a missed opportunity, I know), here are some suggestions:

1. Invest in Repairs: Prioritise funding for maintaining and restoring existing housing stock, especially social housing. Who in my opinion? Are generally the owners of “that one house in the street that’s past it best”.
2. Enforce Standards: Hold landlords accountable for maintaining safe, habitable properties (and potentially stop blaming them for as much).
3. Rethink Retrofitting: Balance energy efficiency upgrades with essential structural repairs. Particularly from a government incentive and grant perspective.
4. Build Better: Encourage developers to focus on quality, not just quantity, and (I have been begging for this for years) incentivise smaller or community-based builders that care more.
5. Plan for the Future: A long-term strategy for housing is essential. This means acknowledging that older homes need continuous investment, while new builds must be durable enough to last for generations.

All doom and gloom aside, there is hope. Britain has a proud tradition of maintaining and restoring its buildings. With the right funding, awareness, and care, many of our historic homes can remain standing for decades, if not centuries, to come.
As a surveyor, I’m here to help. If you’re a homeowner worried about your property’s condition, a landlord wondering about maintenance costs, or even just someone curious about the quirks of older buildings, get in touch. Together, we can keep Britain’s housing stock in tip-top shape—or at least standing long enough for the next generation to moan about it (I am in my 20s so that’s a long way off and probably by then will Russia or china’s problem).
Here’s hoping the newer government sees the value in putting some cash into our pockets (and our roofs). In the meantime, I’ll be out here in the countryside, shaking my fist at poorly maintained houses and occasionally falling over mud banks.
Until next time,
Your Friendly Neighbourhood Surveyor
​

​Joe Marshall BSc (Hons)
Building Surveyor and Director of Silver Teal Ltd

With an expansive career throughout London and Southeast England. Joe brings a wealth of expertise to the Silver Teal Workspace. His extensive experience in both public and private sectors, notably in social housing and emergency services, has honed his proficiency in building pathology and the overall built environment. Joe's academic achievements are highlighted by his 1st Class Honours degree in Building Surveying.

As a director, he is a fervent advocate for nurturing young talent and fostering industry growth. Joe is committed to propelling Silver Teal Workspace forward with his visionary leadership.

If you would like a complimentary discussion with Joe feel free to get in touch

📞 0208 103 4842
✉️ joe@silverteal.co.uk

​As we barrel towards the festive season, the time for family dinners and holiday cheer also sparks a wave of reflection on how our homes serve us. January through February often sees a surge in inquiries about extensions and improvements. So, whether you're dreaming of a larger kitchen, brighter spaces, or a more functional layout, this guide will walk you through the DOs and DON’Ts of home improvement with a sprinkle of wit and practical advice.

​1. Plan with Purpose
Home improvements aren't about impulse decisions; they're about strategic upgrades. Spend time visualising your needs and defining your objectives. For example:

• Kitchen Layout: Think about the "triangle rule" (hob, sink, fridge) for smooth operation. Studies show well-designed kitchens can increase property value by up to 10% (source: Zoopla).
• Lighting: Maximise natural light with roof windows or bifold doors to create bright, welcoming spaces. Natural light has been linked to improved mental health—so you’re not just improving your home; you’re boosting your mood!

2. Budget Wisely
Extensions can be cheaper than moving, but they're still an investment. The average UK home extension costs between £1,200 and £2,000 per square metre, so identify your priorities early—whether it’s a dream kitchen or high-spec finishes.
3. Know Your Rights
Permitted development rights allow extensions up to 3m for terraced homes or 4m for detached properties. Always check with your local authority to avoid costly mistakes. Don’t forget prior approvals for larger projects that neighbours might have a say in.
4. Choose Timeless Over Trendy
While trends come and go, classic choices stand the test of time. For example:

• Bifold doors are a great investment, but consider long-term usability.
• Flooring samples can help ensure you’re happy with your choices for years to come.

5. Communicate With Your Builder
Detailed plans save you headaches. Your builder can identify challenges early, from window placements that reduce screen glare to aligning your vision with structural realities.

1. Don’t Rush the Process
Impulse decisions are a recipe for regret. Good builders are often busy (a sign of quality), and planning permission takes time. Start planning months in advance to avoid unnecessary stress. Fun fact: Most planning permissions are approved within 8 weeks, but complex cases might stretch to 13+.
2. Don’t Overlook Practicality
Hosting Christmas dinner or a summer BBQ? Sure, it’s tempting to design for those moments, but prioritise day-to-day functionality. For example:

• Is there enough counter space for daily cooking?
• Will the dining area comfortably accommodate your family year-round?

3. Don’t Forget Light
A lack of natural light can turn a dream extension into a gloomy cave. Position windows and roof lights strategically, considering sun paths. A simple roof window over a dark spot can transform a space.
4. Don’t Skimp on Planning
Rushing into construction without proper permissions can lead to costly fines. Also, ensure your plans are future-proof; what works for a young couple may not suit a growing family.
5. Don’t Ignore Budget Constraints
Dreaming is essential, but so is realism. Share your budget upfront, and your designer can help you prioritise. It’s better to have a smaller, well-finished space than a sprawling, substandard extension.

In summary, successful home improvement hinges on thoughtful planning, realistic budgets, and collaboration with professionals. Here’s your cheat sheet:
DO:

• Plan meticulously, especially for layout and light.
• Check permitted development rights and obtain proper permissions.
• Prioritise timeless designs for enduring appeal.
• Collaborate with your builder and designer.

DON’T:

• Make rushed or impulsive decisions.
• Design solely for occasional events.
• Overlook the importance of light and practical functionality.
• Start work without approvals—it’s not worth the risk.

Now’s the time to dream big and plan smart. If you’re ready to kickstart your next project, get in touch—we’ll help turn your vision into reality, with expert advice every step of the way. Your dream home is just a few smart decisions away
​

​Joe Marshall BSc (Hons)
Building Surveyor and Director of Silver Teal Ltd

With an expansive career throughout London and Southeast England. Joe brings a wealth of expertise to the Silver Teal Workspace. His extensive experience in both public and private sectors, notably in social housing and emergency services, has honed his proficiency in building pathology and the overall built environment. Joe's academic achievements are highlighted by his 1st Class Honours degree in Building Surveying.

As a director, he is a fervent advocate for nurturing young talent and fostering industry growth. Joe is committed to propelling Silver Teal Workspace forward with his visionary leadership.

If you would like a complimentary discussion with Joe feel free to get in touch

📞 0208 103 4842
✉️ joe@silverteal.co.uk