BUYER BEWARE

Property surveys may be standard practice when buying a house but many of us don’t really understand why they are necessary.

Local expert Tim Jordan, partner and director of conveyancing at leading law firm SAS Daniels Solicitors demystifies the process.

“You should always have a survey carried out before purchasing a property. This is because of the ‘buyer beware’ principle upon which transactions are based. It is the buyer’s responsibility to carry out all investigations on the property and find any problems. If you have a survey, this can show up issues that wouldn’t always be visible during a viewing. It is important that you discover any potential safety on London Road, with space for an expanded range of items. There are over 20 dealers in the Emporium selling antiques, vintage, collectibles, modern furniture and other items. There is a strong ethos of sustainability and the team tries to recycle everything as well as offering house and garage clearance. Email vintagehomestyles@ outlook.com or find the Emporium on Facebook

The Vintage Advantage at Derwen College

Derwen College, near Oswestry has its own charity shop, The Vintage Advantage, offering pre-loved bargains to shoppers and work experience to its SEND students. The outlet recently won the Innovation Award at the Charity Retail Awards – the ‘Oscars’ of the charity shop world – after being shortlisted alongside national charities such as Oxfam, Scope, British Heart Foundation and Barnardos. The Vintage Advantage is part of the college’s ‘Marketplace’, which also welcomes visitors to a garden centre and gift shop, café, restaurant and hotel. Students learn real work skills in a safe and supported environment, rotating stock and creating themed window and in-store displays. From Christmas to Easter, Valentine’s or Mother’s Day, there is always a new reason to visit!

www.derwen.ac.uk/marketplace/the-vintage-advantage

Teestar

Teestar is an independent footwear retailer established in 1976 – now celebrating 46 years of trading in Shrewsbury. The shop offers quality branded ladies and gents footwear especially chosen for style and comfort, and has wide-fitting shoes available in most styles. Brands such as Rieker, Josef Seibel and Waldlaufer are extensively stocked, along with other major brands and popular items such as desert boots. Men’s footwear is catered for in the above brands and Loake traditional welted leather shoes add to the choice. Ladies and gents slippers are stocked all year round, while discontinued and reduced lines are always available at competitive prices.

www.teestarfootwear.co.uk hazards and financial pitfalls before you exchange contracts.

“If you are purchasing the property with the aid of a mortgage, your lender will carry out a basic valuation survey. This will establish whether the property is worth the money being paid for it. A copy is usually available from the lender, although some will not provide it.

“Most purchasers undertake a homebuyer’s survey, which is more detailed than a basic valuation. It is also expensive, so some lenders allow you to add the cost to the mortgage. Some purchasers opt for a full structural survey, mostly when the property is older or of high value.

“If any significant physical defects are revealed, you may decide not to buy the property. Alternatively, you could obtain quotations for the remedial work and renegotiate the purchase price. Once you have exchanged contracts there is no going back to the seller should anything come to light at a later date.” Find further advice on the RICS website, or for legal advice on a house purchase or sale contact Tim Jordan at SAS Daniels. www.sasdaniels.co.uk