Occasional articles, market observations and short updates on property, land and rural policy across Devon, Cornwall and the wider South West.
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Housing at Conference Season ’26
Every autumn the political parties gather for their conferences and announce what they would do about housing. Most of it is noise. Some of it ends up changing what it costs to buy a home, what a landlord must do, or what gets built down…
Earlier notes
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Class Q Deadline Approaching
Deadline Approaching for Class Q Planning Transition – Act Now for Larger Dwellings In April 2024, the Government introduced significant changes to the ‘Class Q’ permitted development rights, which govern…
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The Importance of a Red Book Valuation for Probate Use
– And How Geering Chartered Surveyors Can Help Managing a deceased estate is an emotional and complex process. Executors and beneficiaries must navigate numerous responsibilities, including the accurate valuation of…
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Why You Need a Chartered Surveyor for Asset Valuation During Divorce or Separation
Divorce or separation is never easy—it’s an emotional time, and on top of that, there are often significant financial matters to untangle. One of the most crucial aspects is figuring…
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Christmas Message 2024
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…
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Autumn Budget 2024
Today, the Chancellor introduced significant alterations to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR), which will greatly affect farmers and landowners. Effective from April 2026, APR and BPR—presently…
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Biodiversity Net Gain – Should we do it?
Much has been made about the new BNG rules, and we have had enquiries from clients considering taking some of their land out of agricultural production. Although our current advice…
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Matrimonial Valuations
When a marriage or long-term relationship ends, one of the key financial issues that often comes up is the need to value property assets. Courts usually ask for valuation reports…
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Carbon Calculations for Agriculture
Three major farm carbon calculators highlighted in the Defra Report “Harmonisation of Carbon Accounting Tools for Agriculture – SCF0129” have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate. Farm Carbon…
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LANDLORDS! Changes to Right to Rent Checks
The Home Office has released updated guidance for landlords’ right to rent checks, effective June 21, 2024. This guidance applies to all residential landlords in England. Key updates include:
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