Chartered Surveyors


Choosing a firm of Chartered Surveyors is like selecting a business partner. Someone to be trusted, relied upon for professional knowledge and expertise and, above all, effective. When it comes to professional property matters, that, in essence, is what we are and have been to many clients over a number of years. Michael Donaldson and his team have all the credentials and an enviable track record of success.

Since Marquis & Co. began in 1975, the property scene has changed dramatically. Through long experience, we have developed a deep understanding of fluctuating national and regional market conditions in order to provide expert advice at a local level. This means we are equipped in two ways: we are large enough to see the bigger picture, but small and agile enough to act quickly and decisively on behalf of our clients.

We are members of The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and provide a complete range of property services. These include:

Aquisitions and Disposal









Acquisition and Disposal of Offices,
Industrial and Retail Premises


We act for both corporate and private clients in the acquisition or disposal of commercial property and, if required, handle their ongoing management. A comprehensive search and acquisition service for property portfolio enhancement or specialist site assembly is also available.

Rent Reviews









Rent Reviews


For the past 35 years, Marquis & Co. has acted for both landlords and tenants in negotiating the most favourable terms for its client. If terms cannot be agreed by negotiation, although it usually can, the lease will provide for the rent to be settled by arbitration.

Party Wall Act









Party Wall Act


What steps should you take if you want to build an extension to your home, either adjoining or close to your neighbour's property? What if your neighbour is planning to build near your land? The Party Wall Act provides a framework for settling such issues and a system of awards for ensuring that if any damage is caused, the costs of rectification is borne by the building owner. We are able to advise either building owners or adjoining owners on their rights and the actions they should take.

Residential Leases









Lease Extensions and Freeholds


If lessees have occupied their property for the requisite period of time, they can normally apply for their lease to be extended by 90 years. Alternatively, groups of lessees can apply to purchase the freehold. We can advise either lessees or lessors on their rights and obligations under the relevant legislation and negotiate the premiums to be paid.

Guidance on Legislation

Schedules of Condition









Schedules of Condition


The parties to a lease may agree that the tenant is not compelled to keep the property in any better condition than it was at the start of the lease as recorded in a Schedule of Condition. Such schedules are prepared by Marquis & Co., usually accompanied by a photographic record.

Commercial Leases









Lease Renewals and Dilapidations


At the end of the term, the landlord and the tenant will need to agree on whether or not the lease is to be renewed and if so, on what terms. Marquis & Co. is able to negotiate the renewal of leases or settle dilapidations in the event that the lease is not renewed. No one case is identical to the other but we have built up considerable expertise in such matters.

Planning









Planning


We advise clients on alternative uses for their properties and obtain planning consent for applications ranging from simple extensions to complicated projects such as a recent conversion of redundant listed farm buildings into hotel near Heathrow airport.

Project Supervision









Project Supervision for Refurbishment of Residential and Commercial Property


Project management from start to finish; from simple alteration to total rebuild. The service includes planning guidance and application, drawing up specifications, instructing designers, engineers and contractors, and managing through to completion.

Valuations









Valuations for Mortgages, Capital Gains
and Inheritance Tax


From time to time, property owners will require valuations for these or many other purposes. Following a death, it is often necessary to agree the value of property assets. Alternatively, family members may seek to mitigate inheritance tax and seek valuations as part of inheritance tax planning. In the event of matrimonial disputes, valuations are often required to calculate the assets of the couple concerned. Valuations for these and other purposes are available through Marquis & Co. Chartered Surveyors.

Surveys and Reports









Surveys and Homebuyer Reports


There are two types of survey, an RICS Homebuyer Report or a bespoke building survey. The surveyor's report is designed to help you make a more informed decision and can ultimately save you money.

Useful Guides from the Royal Institution
of Chartered Surveyers

Deeds of Covenant









Enforcement and Relaxation
of Deeds of Covenant


Properties and land are often affected by Deeds of Covenant and other rights. Marquis & Co. has advised parties on the effect of those covenants in terms of value and, in conjunction with their solicitors, the enforceability of such covenants. This is a specialist area of the law where we work closely with the party's solicitor.

Expert Evidence









Expert Evidence in Courts of Law


Michael Donaldson has built a considerable reputation as an expert witness, encompassing an extensive range of property-related disputes, often on a 'single joint expert' basis. He has provided evidence on numerous occasions in both the County Court and the High Court in addition to the Lands Tribunal. In the current year, he has received instruction on more than twenty cases.