Making the most of every acquisition
According to homelessness charity Shelter, 90,000 homes are needed each year for social rent. In 2024-25 the Government delivered just 62,000. Whilst construction targets remain high, some local authorities are looking at alternative means of increasing housing stock.
By acquiring unused properties, councils are able to expand and improve their social housing stock. But purchasing existing properties comes with its own risks. These properties can vary when it comes to their condition and suitability.
Before any property is acquired, a building survey should be carried out. This provides important information about the condition of the property. For local authorities purchasing multiple properties, often across different locations, a coordinated programme of surveys can provide significantly more value than treating each property as an isolated transaction.
At Chawton Hill, we have extensive experience providing building surveys, both for prospective home buyers and local authorities. When working with local authorities, we support with better informed decision making, helping identify risks early and plan future expenditure more effectively.
Understanding what you are buying
The value of a property can be an indication of its physical condition, but alone it may not provide the full picture. A building survey can help you understand far more about the condition of the property, including:
- structural and internal condition;
- accessibility;
- external areas and boundaries;
- urgent remedial work required before occupation;
- planned maintenance;
- compliance-related works, including fire-safety.
By identifying defects and potential liabilities before acquisition, you can better plan future expenditure on refurbishments and maintenance, distinguishing between immediate defects and longer-term repairs.
This information can feed into the local authorities’ acquisition planning, helping identify potentially expensive issues before purchase. Moving from “Can we buy this property?” to “What will this property really cost us over the short, medium and longer term?”
A Consistent Approach
Whilst a local authority could choose to book independent surveyors for each property they purchase, there are benefits to a consistent approach. By working with one team, a consistent methodology can be developed for each of the properties. Standardised reporting makes it easier to compare properties on a like for like basis.
A portfolio wide approach can provide a much clearer picture than a collection of standalone surveys. For example, recurring issues can be identified with particular building types or maintenance problems.
Bulk acquisitions can involve tight timescales. An agreed process can also help speed up the process. A long-term relationship means that your surveyor becomes part of the acquisition team, helping support your decision making.
Creating a Prioritised Programme of Works
Once properties have been acquired, survey information can be used to develop a programme of remedial and planned works. Working with experienced surveyors can enable you to categorise works according to urgency, risk and cost. Over the long term this helps asset management teams understand where investment should be directed. It also has the potential to identify opportunities to coordinate works across multiple properties and achieve procurement efficiencies.
From Individual Surveys to an Acquisition Strategy
Bulk acquisition creates an opportunity for local authorities to take a more strategic approach to building condition. The value of a building surveyor is not simply in identifying defects in individual properties. A coordinated surveying programme can give local authorities a consistent evidence base for acquisition, investment and asset management decisions.
If you’re looking for support with building surveys on your properties, get in touch to see how the Chawton Hill team can support you.