Chartered Surveyors covering Devon & Cornwall
Built on a foundation of calm, straightforward and honest advice…
Geering Chartered Surveyors was founded with a commitment to delivering thoughtful and professional guidance underpinned by regulation, integrity, and transparency. Whether you seek a ‘Red Book’ valuation, assistance in residential matters, estate management expertise, rural land advice, strategic planning insights, or development consultation, we stand ready to assist and guide you.
Our ethos prioritises providing calm and pragmatic solutions to your property-related problems. Whether you’re navigating a complex transaction or simply seeking clarity on a property matter, we invite you to explore our website or reach out to discover how we can support you.
At Geering Chartered Surveyors, our mission is to empower our clients with informed decisions and reliable support. Want to know more? Get in touch via the contact page.
🌍 **Unlocking Opportunities: UK Government Consultation on Carbon & Nature Markets** 🌱
Starting today (17 April), the UK Government has launched a 12-week consultation to gather feedback on how to speed up the growth of carbon and nature markets. This will help remove barriers for farmers to access these markets and create new income opportunities.
By adopting sustainable farming practices that sequester carbon or improve habitats, farmers can generate credits that businesses can purchase to meet their environmental goals, offering a potential long-term income stream.
For farmers under financial pressure, these markets could provide extra income while improving soil health and farm resilience. The consultation is designed to ensure farmers are fairly compensated for their environmental efforts and that businesses can confidently invest in high-integrity carbon and nature projects.
We want to hear from farmers on how to support them in navigating these new markets—whether it’s through skills training or practical guidance. Your input will help shape a system that works for everyone and supports the UK’s transition to a nature-positive future.
👉 Learn more and add your views by following the link in the linktree…
#CarbonMarkets #NaturePositive #SustainableFarming #FarmInnovation #ClimateAction #UKFarming
Bring back last week’s weather! What a start to the month of April, some clients even managing to get maize in the ground in the first week of the month – a record breaker for sure…!
E A S T E R O P E N I N G 🐣
I’ll be shutting my computer down and not looking at emails from 5pm on Thursday through to 9am next Tuesday. If you need to get hold of me urgently drop me a text, or call the office number and leave a message. I’ll pick them up. Thanks and have a great Easter!
Jumping on the trend…!
For Sale: Widdicombe Swallow ‘Bear’ 🐴
🌟 Dartmoor Hill Pony
📅 DOB: 01/05/2021 (3 years old, rising 4)
🎨 Colour: Bay with white markings
📏 Height: 12 hands
Full details on our website; click the link in our Linktree ⬆️
Key Highlights:
✅ Intelligent, eager to please, and easy to handle
✅ Groundwork, lunging, and long-reining trained – some ridden work started
✅ Fully vaccinated (tetanus & flu), wormed, and regularly dentally checked
✅ Friendly, easy to catch, and great to load and lead
✅ Brave, curious nature, good with farrier & dentist
✅ Hacked out alone, passes cars with no issues
✅ Barefoot with strong, native feet
✅ Lives out 24/7, but loves attention and cuddles
✅ Shares a field with mares and geldings
Bear is a lovely prospect for a child’s pony – forward-thinking, loving his work, and ready for a new adventure!
DM for more info! #DartmoorPony #PonyForSale #ChildsPony #HorseSale #EquestrianLife
A bit of home office decor kindly gifted by our friends and clients at the Spreyton Estate – nothing a bit of elbow grease won’t clean up! #vintage
🚜🌱 Great news for farmers and land managers! 🌿
DEFRA has today announced that after the temporary closure in November 2024, the Capital Grants scheme is back for 2025/26 with funding secured! 🎉
If you’ve already submitted your application and it was on hold, it’ll be processed soon. If you haven’t applied yet, the improved scheme will re-open later this year, so get ready to submit your application through the Rural Payments service. 👍
This scheme supports activities like tree planting, water and air quality improvements, and habitat restoration to help boost biodiversity and the environment 🌳💧.
🔹 Key changes include spending caps for more fairness:
£25,000 for water, air, and flood management
£35,000 for boundaries, trees, and orchards
📅 Applications will be open year-round with continuous monitoring to ensure funding is used for projects with the best environmental impact.
You can apply for a grant in more than one category, but only one application per SBI (Single Business Identifier) can be submitted each year.
🌍
#CapitalGrants #SustainableFarming #EnvironmentalSupport #RuralPayments #Biodiversity #FarmSupport #GreenFarming 🌾
REMINDER!
If you are considering a Class Q application for a large dwelling you will need to submit by the 20th May cut off date. Time is ticking ⏰ and after this date there will be floor space restrictions per unit.
For more info, read our latest website news item – simply click the linktree in our bio!
🔑 Navigating Probate? Here’s How a Red Book Valuation Can Help
Managing a loved one’s estate can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to valuing property for probate.
A Red Book valuation ensures accuracy, fairness, and compliance with HMRC standards—helping you avoid delays or disputes.
At Geering Chartered Surveyors, we provide professional, evidence-based valuations tailored to your needs, ensuring the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
If you’re handling a probate case and need guidance, we’re here to help. Visit our news page by following the link in our bio for more information…
#ProbateSupport #RedBookValuation #PropertyValuation #GeeringCharteredSurveyors #EstateManagement #FairValuations
💼 Why You Need a Chartered Surveyor for Asset Valuation During Divorce or Separation 🏡⚖️
Going through a divorce or separation can be emotionally and financially challenging.
One critical step? Getting an accurate, impartial valuation of your shared assets.
Here’s why hiring a Chartered Surveyor is essential:
✅ Unbiased & Professional: Ensures valuations are fair and credible.
✅ Court-Approved Reports: Compliant with legal standards and ready for court use.
✅ Comprehensive Expertise: Family homes, investment properties, commercial premises, and agricultural land.
👉 Learn more about why a Chartered Surveyor is essential during this process by reading our latest news story on our website 🔗 link in our bio…
For confidential and expert support and peace of mind during this process, we’re here to help. 🤝
#DivorceSettlement #charteredsurveyors #propertyvaluation #familylaw #RICS #AssetValuation #propertyexperts #Devon #cornwall #divorce #separation
To all my clients—past, present, and future (to borrow a bit of festive spirit from Dickens) —
Yesterday was my daughter’s twelfth birthday, which in our household marks the traditional start of Christmas celebrations. As we approach the close of 2024, I want to take a moment to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and to thank you for your support throughout the year.
2024 has certainly had its challenges, and I know many will be glad to see the back of it. That said, 2025 is shaping up to be even more challenging—with big changes on the horizon as we all adapt to a ‘new way.’ I’m ready to guide you through whatever comes and look forward to continuing to advise you in the year ahead.
Taxation valuation remains at the core of what I do—helping you navigate the complexities of capital tax with my extensive knowledge and experience in valuation and law. This year has also seen a surge in Expert Witness work, reflecting increased litigation and the importance of getting property-related advice right the first time. Alongside this, I continue to provide valuations across residential, agricultural, and commercial sectors, including SIPP, leasehold enfranchisement, and Help to Buy cases.
As a small business owner, your support means so much to me. Whether you’re a current client or thinking about working with me for the first time, know that I’m here to help—serving clients across the Westcountry with expertise and dedication.
Here’s to 2025 and all the opportunities it brings. Wishing you joy, success, and prosperity in the year ahead.
Leasehold Enfranchisement Valuation in Newquay today. Some surf to be had too…!
🌽🍏🌾If you are confused around the changes to agricultural property relief and wondering why farmers are complaining, then this video which has been doing the rounds on social media explains it really well.
Many of you know that I have recently finished a Masters Research programme at the Royal Agricultural University looking at how nature restoration might affect land values.
The natural landscape which characterises our little island country is incredibly well maintained under the custodianship of our farming community. As the video points out, the farmer who’s maintaining a ditch dug by their father, or laying a hedge planted by their great grandfather is going to put more time and love into the land than a large corporate entity, which, if small family farms are having to sell off bits of land will be who will take over the guardianship of the land.
Watch the video, leave your thoughts… Link in my bio…
🚨 Budget Update 🚨
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has just released the latest budget, with key impacts on rural areas:
• APR and BPR: Set to end in 2026 for assets over £1 million.
• National Insurance: Employer contributions will increase from 13.8% to 15%.
• Capital Gains Tax: New rates on non-residential assets – 18% (lower) and 24% (higher).
• Stamp Duty: Land surcharge for second homes rises from 2% to 5%, starting tomorrow.
• Fuel Duty: Remains frozen.
We’ll share a detailed breakdown on our website news page later…
🚨 Attention Cattle Farmers! 🚨
DEFRA has launched a new survey aimed at gathering insights from cattle farmers about their experiences and opinions regarding bovine TB compensation. This initiative, conducted in partnership with Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and RSK-ADAS, focuses on understanding the measures farmers are taking to mitigate herd breakdowns.
This is your chance to share your voice and help the Government grasp the challenges you face with bovine TB. Your feedback will play a crucial role in shaping future reviews and developments in TB compensation policies.
Rest assured, participation is voluntary and completely anonymous. You will not be asked for any identifying personal information, and you can withdraw at any time without providing a reason.
👉 Get involved! Learn more and complete the survey below.
https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/sruc/defra-btb-compensation-1
Seen on an inspection today, a lovely painting of Somerset county cricket ground.
I made a video today about the horticulture strategy but the wind was so strong that you can’t hear what I’m saying, so have some John Denver instead; but basically the point I was making was this:
🌽 only 33% of adults in the UK eat five a day. A publicly funded scheme to encourage better uptake is urgently needed which will ensure we are eating healthier but also supporting local growers.
🥕we import £7.1billion worth of fruit and vegetables each year. Redirecting a third of this amount would cover the countries entire agricultural budget.
🥦 The Labour Party have hinted in their party conference that a horticulture policy is being written.
🫑 Balancing nature and food security is one of the biggest agricultural challenges of our time, and a horticulture strategy is the way to achieve this.
Seems obvious, right?
Crediton-Sidmouth-Ottery and it’s not even lunch!!
Watergate Bay looking inviting en route to a RICS Redbook valuation in Newquay today. Covering the whole of Devon and Cornwall I undertake formal valuation work for a variety of purposes including Expert Witness, Shared Ownership, Help to Buy Redemptjon, Taxation, and SIPP. I am experienced in Residential, Agricultural and Commercial property.
Interested in Biodiversity Net Gain? I’ve done the maths so you don’t have to! New posting on my notes from the field over on my website – link in bio….
nature & hope:
In Steel v Scottish Ministers [2014] a good description of hope value was provided when assessing value for tax purposes –
`The term `hope value` may be used in different ways… there may be times when it is used to deal with the hope that at some stage in the future there may be a possibility of some development of the land giving it a value beyond its current use.`
Will we soon be applying the hope value of the natural capital markets to our tax valuations?
#tax #naturalcapital #iht #cgt #valuation
Great to catch up with clients old and new at Chagford Show today, and even better getting forther to rep the Geering Surveyors logo in his polo shirt!!
Using a drone to inspect large areas of farmland means I can focus on the interest points. This one was from an IHT valuation this week just outside of Exeter.
Big day!