Sharing stories, guidance and expertise
Heathrow Third Runway: January 2026 Update – What It Means for Property Owners
January 2026 has brought renewed momentum to Heathrow’s third runway proposals, with Government backing confirmed in principle. While construction remains some years away, this policy direction has important implications for homeowners and businesses facing potential blight, compulsory purchase or compensation issues.
Lease Extension Desktop Valuation: What You Need to Know
A fixed-fee lease extension desktop valuation provides a clear, RICS-compliant estimate of the premium payable, helping leaseholders make informed decisions before entering formal negotiations.
Secured Lending Valuations – Independent Advice You Can Rely On
An overview of secured lending valuations, why lenders and borrowers rely on them, and how Tom Olden provides independent, Red Book–compliant advice to support property-backed finance decisions.
Why Independent Valuations Matter More in an Uncertain Property Market
In uncertain property markets, assumptions and headline data can expose owners and lenders to risk. This article explains why independent, professionally prepared valuations, grounded in evidence and judgement — remain essential for informed decision-making.
When Should You Get a Professional Property Valuation? A Practical Guide for 2026
Not sure when you need a professional valuation? This guide explains the key moments when landlords, leaseholders and business owners should obtain a RICS valuation, including lease extensions, rent reviews, tax planning, refinancing and CPO support.
The 7 Most Common Mistakes in Commercial Rent Reviews, And How to Avoid Them
Rent reviews are often misunderstood, rushed, or based on weak evidence. This blog explains the seven most common rent review mistakes and how both landlords and tenants can avoid them, ensuring a fair and well-supported rental outcome.
The Proposed CPO on the Lesnes Estate, Bexley — What Residents Need to Know and How to Maximise Compensation
With a proposed Compulsory Purchase Order now affecting the Lesnes Estate in Bexley, many owners and residents are unsure what this means for their homes and financial position. This guide outlines your rights, the compensation you may be entitled to, how the objection process works, and how Olden Property can help you protect your interests from the earliest stag
Why Leaseholders Are Losing Thousands by Relying on Online Lease-Extension Calculators
Online lease-extension calculators are becoming increasingly popular and increasingly problematic. With more than half of UK flats now below 90 years unexpired, inaccurate online estimates are leaving leaseholders underprepared and, in some cases, out of pocket by tens of thousands. This article explains the key reasons these tools fail and why specialist valuation advice matters.
Lease Extension Myths: What Leaseholders Often Get Wrong — and What’s Really True
Many leaseholders delay extending because of common myths about timing, cost and complexity. Olden Property explains what’s true, what’s not, and how to save money on your lease extension.
Got a CPO Letter in the Post? How Olden Property Helps You Understand and Claim Full Compensation
If your property is affected by a compulsory purchase, Olden Property provides expert support, valuation and negotiation, helping you understand the process and maximise your claim.
Affected by the Ledbury Estate CPO? Here’s What to Do Next
The Ledbury Estate Phase 2 compulsory purchase order marks a major redevelopment in Southwark. If your home or investment lies in the affected area, find out what you need to know and how Olden Property can help ensure you’re properly compensated.
Enfield Council CPO: What It Means for Property Owners and How to Protect Your Compensation
If your home or investment is affected by Enfield’s new CPOs, don’t feel pressured to accept the council’s first offer. Olden Property helps property owners and leaseholders secure full, fair compensation under UK law.
Lease Extension Calculators vs. Real Valuations: Why Accuracy Matters
Online lease extension calculators are only a rough guide. A professional RICS valuation uses real market evidence to determine an accurate, defensible premium, helping you negotiate with confide
Before You Sign a Lease: Why Professional Advice Can Save You Thousands
Before you sign a commercial lease, it’s worth getting professional advice. From rent reviews to repair clauses, early guidance can help you negotiate fair terms, avoid hidden costs, and protect your position as a tenant or landlord.
What Happens After a Compulsory Purchase Order Is Confirmed?
When a Compulsory Purchase Order is confirmed, possession doesn’t happen overnight. RICS valuer Tom Olden explains the next steps, your rights, and how to prepare your claim.
Preparing Your Flat for the Next Owner: Why Extending the Lease Now Pays Later
Extending your lease before selling can make your flat more attractive to buyers, smooth the conveyancing process, and even boost your sale price. Chartered Surveyor Tom Olden explains why taking action early can pay off.
Brighton & Hove Lease Extensions: Why Local Valuation Evidence Matters
Every Brighton street tells a different story when it comes to lease extensions. RICS surveyor Tom Olden explains why local valuation evidence matters and how it shapes your premium.
How to Prepare for a Rent Review: A Surveyor’s Perspective
Rent reviews can significantly affect your property costs or income. Here’s how landlords and tenants can prepare effectively, with advice from Olden Property’s Chartered Surveyor and RICS Registered Valuer, Tom Olden.
Heathrow Expansion and the ‘No-Scheme World’: What It Really Means for Property Owners
The Heathrow Expansion has reignited debate about how fairly property owners are compensated when land is acquired for major infrastructure schemes. Here’s what the ‘no-scheme world’ really means in practice.
A Day in Brighton: Lease Extensions and a Lunchtime Dip at Sea Lanes
Tom Olden shares a day in Brighton carrying out a lease extension valuation and taking a refreshing swim at Sea Lanes. A glimpse into life as a RICS surveyor by the sea.
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If you require a valuation report, advice on leasehold reform or you are affected by a compulsory purchase order, please get in touch.