Business Details
RICS Home Surveys & Valuations in Darlington
Established as an independent chartered surveyor practice based in Darlington, we specialise in residential and commercial property services across North Yorkshire, County Durham, Cleveland, and Tyne & Wear. Our expertise spans RICS Level 2 and Level 3 Home Surveys, residential and commercial valuations, lease extension advice, and expert witness reporting. With over two decades of experience in local property markets, we combine deep regional knowledge with adherence to RICS standards to deliver precise, client-focused solutions.Our independence from estate agents and insurance companies ensures impartial advice, while our involvement in RICS committees and government working groups underscores our industry authority. We prioritise transparency, professionalism, and tailored service to meet individual client needs.
Services
RICS Home Surveys
Building Surveys
Property Valuations
Lease Extension Advice
Expert Witness Reports
Highlights and features
- We are an independent RICS-accredited surveyor with 25+ years of local market expertise.
- Our services adhere strictly to RICS Valuation Global Standards (Red Book) requirements.
- We provide impartial advice without ties to estate agents or insurance companies.
- We offer comprehensive lease extension and enfranchisement guidance under UK legislation.
- Our expert witness reports comply with Civil Procedure Rules and RICS protocols.
Associations and certifications
- Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
Services
RICS Home Surveys
Conducted during property transactions, these surveys assess structural condition using RICS standards. They identify defects, maintenance needs, and safety concerns for residential properties. Clients receive detailed reports to inform purchasing decisions or sale preparations.
Commercial Surveys
Evaluate commercial/industrial buildings for structural integrity and safety compliance. Reports highlight necessary repairs, safety risks, and regulatory adherence. Businesses use these assessments for asset management or transaction due diligence.
Residential Valuations
Determine market value for sales, purchases, or tax purposes using RICS Red Book guidelines. Covers inheritance tax, capital gains tax, and reinstatement valuations. Reports include detailed analysis of market conditions and property specifics.
Lease Extension Advice
Guide leaseholders through statutory extensions under the Leasehold Reform Act. Services include premium calculations, marriage value assessments, and negotiation support with landlords for flats and houses.
Expert Witness Reporting
Prepare court-compliant reports for property disputes under Civil Procedure Rules. Includes valuation evidence, defect analysis, and oral testimony in County Court or High Court proceedings.
People
Tony Lewis
Chartered Surveyor
With over 25 years' experience in North East property markets, Tony specialises in residential surveys, valuations, and leasehold reform. He chairs RICS committees and provides expert witness testimony, combining technical expertise with local knowledge.
Questions
What RICS-accredited services do you offer?
We provide RICS Level 2 & 3 Home Surveys, residential/commercial valuations, lease extension advice, and expert witness reporting compliant with RICS standards.
How do lease extensions work under UK law?
Under the Leasehold Reform Act 1993, tenants can extend leases by 90 years with nil ground rent, paying a premium based on property value and remaining term.
What valuation types do you specialise in?
We conduct market valuations for sales/purchases, inheritance tax, capital gains tax, and reinstatement valuations for insurance purposes.
Can you act as an expert witness in property disputes?
Yes, we prepare expert reports under Civil Procedure Rules and have provided oral evidence in County Court and High Court proceedings.
How are your fees structured?
Valuations start from £250+ VAT, with expert witness work charged hourly. Costs vary based on property complexity and required analysis.
Reviews (6)
E. Allcock
Jan 08, 2022
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Excellent service - I would highly recommend Mr Lewis. He has recently completed an extremely thorough survey of the very old house we have now purchased. His detailed 56 page report included over 100 photographs and highlighted a number of important structural features. Really impressed and will use him again if we move.
Emma P.
May 26, 2021
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BLOODY FANTASTIC! Evidently the 2 negative reviews are vexed owners of properties on which fault has been found after survey, not clients themselves. Needless to say, the rigour of Tonys surveys that the 2 reviews suggest are the very reason that we decided to request him perform a Level 3 building survey on our to-be home - so thanks. From start to end, we have not been disappointed. To credit Stanleys review, from the first telephone call it just felt right. Tony spent significant time walking through the details of our property, the process and our concerns (of which there were
James Keen
May 04, 2021
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Tony was brilliant. Thorough and clear with his report and recommendations. Had time to talk through his findings and delivered on time. Would highly recommend and be more than happy to use again.
Cc Tv
Nov 30, 2020
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Appalling, unprofessional service. Go elsewhere. Caused the collapse of a chain of four houses. Cost many people a lot of money and stress. Damaged my house during the survey and tried to cover it up hoping I would not notice.
Dexter Bond
Nov 08, 2020
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Tony has recently provided a home buyer report for me. Booking was easy with a prompt response via his website. The report was very thorough and gave a good overview of the property. Tony's communications were good throughout and he took time to explain a number of his findings to me in detail over the phone. Very happy with the service provided.
Stanley Peter
Sep 27, 2020
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What excellent service. I called for different quotes but after talking I felt he was the one to go with. Every thing was professional and just felt right. After receiving a very comprehensive report, well laid out and easy to follow I can't recommend him highly enough (and I only asked for a condition report).
