Useful Property Websites as Recommended by Tim Wilyman FRICS
We'll be the first to admit it, the web is awash with property websites and 'free' advice, most of it selling copy written by television ‘experts’ and eager estate agents, not qualified surveyors! Below is a selection of links to various property related websites that we use ourselves and trust:
The website for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
http://www.propertysurveying.co.uk
Find an Independent Chartered Surveyor for any location in England & Wales, if you're not in our part of Hampshire or across the border in West Sussex.
http://www.ombudsman-services.org/property.html
Help for consumers to resolve complaints about property professionals.
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk
Invaluable information about possible pollution and flooding risks.
http://www.portsmouthproperty.co.uk
The PPA, or Portsmouth Property Association
The website for the Royal Institute of British Architects
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/BuyingAndSellingYourHome/BuyingYourHome/DG_4001324
The Direct Gov webpage on surveys - a nice summary of what's involved from this Government website
http://www.nhbc.co.uk/Homeowners/FindaRegisteredBuilder
Find a NHBC registered home builder
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Dl1/Directories/Localcouncils/index.htm
Use this directory to check the local council for any property you're buying
Hampshire County Council website
West Sussex County Council website
http://www.planningportal.gov.uk
The UK Government's online planning and building regulations resource for England and Wales.