So Suite Properties

So Suite Properties’ asset management team focuses on N, NW, E and W London postcodes, and in and around the M25 corridors. Working alongside our agency, investment and professional teams we undertake asset management for a variety of clients; these include owners, public sector organisations, charities, religious organisations, private buyers, developers, investors, managing and estate agents, and other occupiers.

We offer appropriate advice and strategic assistance and have many years experience of adding significant value to a variety of properties. We are therefore well placed to advice on how to maximise returns from individual properties and portfolios. We can work with you to develop an asset strategy for each of your properties or your whole portfolio and then implement it for you.

The asset management services we provide our clients:

• Investment performance analysis
• Initial tenant interviews
• Advice on and supervision of refurbishment projects
• Management of dilapidation negotiations
• Development advice and management
• Formulation of estate management strategies.

So Suite Properties provides advice and services to clients interested in portfolio development and investment. We offer both access to the investment product and the knowledge and expertise needed to optimise capital returns.
Our connections with major landlords, banks, funds and investors ensure that we have a constant supply of both properties and purchasers.
We specialise in the following areas:

• Investment sales and acquisitions
• Investment appraisal and valuation
• Residential research
• Portfolio management
• Fund management and property finance
• Lettings and management
• Leasehold enfranchisement

So Suite Properties provides valuation advice on all aspects of residential and commercial properties. Our valuations are conducted in accordance with the RICS Red Book. People we can help include property owners, public sector organisations, charities, religious organisations, private buyers, developers, investors, managing and estate agents and occupiers of differing types of properties. The advice we give is based on extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of market conditions and trends. We draw on the strength of our agency & investment, commercial and residential departments to value properties for a number of specific purposes, including:

• Probate
• Insurance
• Charities Act
• Landlord & Tenant
• Development Land  
• Matrimonial Dispute
• Compulsory Purchase
• Retrospective Valuations
• Leasehold Enfranchisement
• Inheritance / Capital Gains Tax
• Investment & Portfolio Management

We offer full building surveys for residential, commercial and ecclesiastical properties in most N, NW, E and W London postcodes, and in and around the M25 corridors.
Property costs are substantial and there are pitfalls with serious consequences. So it’s prudent to obtain professional advice from an expert acting with your interests as a buyer at heart.

A selling agent has a responsibility to and a contract with the client and not to the buyer. By using our services you are assured that:

• We will act in your interests
• We are tightly regulated and have strict codes of conduct via the RICS. We are obliged to keep our skills and knowledge up to date throughout our careers so you can rely on our expertise.
• We have a proper complaints procedure that is in turn regulated by the RICS
• Using the services of a RICS member like So Suite offers real peace of mind.

Buying a property can be a complicated process - and an important part of this process is the survey. As this may be the largest purchase you ever make, commissioning a survey makes good sense. It might save you thousands of pounds in repairs.

Surveys

Confusion often arises about the differences between types of survey, and even between a survey and a valuation. A building survey by our surveyors will inform you, give you confidence, and quite possibly save you a lot of money in the long term. The survey is like a health check, and the report should be carefully considered before signing a binding contract. If structural problems are found, you may wish to try to re-negotiate the price, or not purchase the property at all.

Which Survey?

There are two main types of survey:

1. Homebuyer’s Survey and Valuation (HSV, HBSV, or Homebuyer’s Report)
2. Building Survey

What is an HSV?

This is a service carried out to a standard format defined by RICS, primarily designed for conventional properties in reasonable condition built within the last 150 years. It is not suitable for properties needing renovation, alterations, or extension.

What does an HSV cover?

• General condition.
• Major faults that may affect the value, and inaccessible parts of the property
• Urgent matters that need investigation or assessment prior to exchanging contracts (or making an offer in Scotland)
• Recommendations for further specialist inspections
• Testing for damp
• Comments on timber decay, including woodworm and rot
• Comments on the existence and condition of damp-proofing, insulation and drainage
• The recommended costs of reconstructing a building in the event of damage. This is for insurance purposes and is not the same as the property's market value.
• The property's value on the open market

What is a building survey?

This comprehensive inspection is suitable for all properties, especially listed buildings, older properties, any building constructed in an unusual way, properties you plan to renovate or alter or which have been extensively altered. It does not include a valuation, although one can be provided separately.

What does a building survey cover?

• Major and minor faults
• The implications and estimated repair costs of any faults

• Testing for damp
• Comments on damage to timbers, including woodworm and rot
• Comments on the existence and condition of damp-proofing, insulation and drainage
• Extensive technical information on the construction of the property and details about materials used
• Information on the location
• Recommendations for any further specialist inspections
  

What don't the two surveys cover?

The surveyor will not lift carpets or take other steps which may cause damage to the vendor's property, shift furniture or test drains, wiring or water supply (although they may comment on their condition). They will not inspect areas that are difficult to access, but will use a ladder to inspect roofs up to 3m in height.

We provide a bespoke and specialist service committed to searching for and acquiring residential, commercial and ecclesiastical properties for private clients. The department offers clients professional and unbiased advice when buying. We remove the stress and strain of purchasing property through our extensive market knowledge and professional experience; and we are able to source properties some of which are not on the open market.

Our fee is commensurate with our clients’ detailed instruction, finding time and purchase price.  We will waive our acquisition fee if So Suite Properties (Chartered Surveyors) are instructed by the vendor and will be gaining a fee from the transaction.

We work closely with our Sales Department who perform an invaluable, complementary service in addition to our professional advice and in-depth analysis. Our chartered surveyors are able to offer full advice on:

• Acquisition of freehold and leasehold properties
• Negotiation of the very best financial terms on our clients’ behalf
• Analysis of your needs for an effective search
• Advice on possible pitfalls
• A summary and comparative study of likely properties
• Help obtaining planning permission or building regulation approval
• Essential building surveys
• Interviewing and arranging for trades people to carry out works
• Our acquisition advice also looks to the future by considering possible expansion and exit strategies.

As an established Chartered Surveying business we have successfully undertaken an array of project management tasks. These include selection, management and co-ordination of projects from inception to completion. And everything we do is according to our clients’ requirements.

Project management services offered by So Suite Properties include:

• Initial brief and appointment
• Initial proposal
• Appointment of project team
• Development of brief and initial proposal
• Administration of project
• Development of design and cost plan
• Contractual arrangement

Services provided for specific projects are tailored to suit the unique characteristics of the project and adjusted according to the stage in the project’s life cycle at which So Suite is appointed.

The framework of the Party Wall etc Act 1996 helps to prevent and resolve disputes in relation to party walls, boundary walls and excavations near neighbouring buildings. The act places legal responsibilities on those undertaking building works within specified distances of neighbouring structures and party walls, amongst other things. We, having knowledge and expertise on this subject area, can offer advice to our clients. It covers mainly;

• Work or building on an existing wall shared with another property
• Building in the boundary with a neighboring property
• Excavation near neighboring buildings

Whether you are a building owner undertaking works or have received a Party Wall Notice from your neighbour, we are here to assist to ensure that either the building works can be undertaken with a minimum of inconvenience or alternatively we can ensure that your property is safeguarded.

We provide first class real estate advice to UK Local Governments, Housing Associations and other Government Agencies. Cost reduction and increased revenue are a fact of life for most businesses and government agencies are not exempted. This is even more so in the current global financial climate. We have a track record working with some of London’s prominent Housing Associations and Local Governments.

We can help to formulate imaginative ideas about how Local Governments can generate increased income from redundant and difficult-to-let properties. We also have expertise in:

• Lease Renewals
• Rent Reviews
• CPOs (Compulsory Purchase Orders)
• Commercial Rental Valuations
• Site Appraisals
• Strategic Property Advice
• Asset and Insurance Valuations
• Stock Condition Surveys
• Planned Maintenance Strategy, Formulation and Management