Architects are the trained and licensed experts in the planning and building of all buildings. Plenty of people correlate architects with just the blueprints, and as much as it’s true they’re involved in the design phase, not many are aware that architects are truly committed throughout the entire process — from the concept, to the understanding of their drawings and plans, to building, and finally, to maximise your returns. Read on to find out how architects can help maximise your returns.

In my latest price report, a recent survey by Zoopla says that “Confident homeowners predict 4.8% house price growth”. Fortunately, not everyone thinks this will happen or the market could grind to a halt even more than it already has in some areas! Find out which areas people think prices will rise by 5% or fall by nearly 7% - what do you think will happen?

It's a little tricky just now to know exactly where the property market is heading.  We know from past evidence that typically the level of uncertainty we currently have with a new PM pending, Brexit in 'no mans land' and a parliament and politicians seemingly at a 'loss' to know how to get us out of the mess Mr Cameron kindly got us into in the first place, that this would slow the property market.  Buyers and sellers don't like uncertainty.

Want to know more about the 4 Year Rule?  If you need a formal decision from your council to show that your existing use or development is lawful, then you can submit an application for Certificate of Lawfulness, known as 4 Year Rule Planning. Ever wonder how landlords convert their houses into a number of flats without first seeking planning permission? Ever wonder how restaurateurs convert A1 Retail Shops into A3 Restaurants without first seeking planning permission? Read on to find out.