An existing Client recommended us to a contact who was acquiring the Lease of a commercial building in Putney. The Lease was for bar in Putney High Street and our instructions were to prepare a Building Survey Report.
Our Client was looking to take the basement, ground and first floors of the 6 storey building. The building included separately leased residential accommodation to the upper floors. Our inspection and report set out the construction and condition of the demise. The report also included commentary on the external common parts for which our Client had a service charge liabilities.
The inspection set out the defects and issues noted with the elements of the building fabric internally and externally. The report included recommendations where further specialist testing or investigations were required along with commentary on issues of statutory compliance.
We also reviewed the Lease and advised the purchaser of the potential issues related to their occupation and future liabilities. This raised a question over the extent of the demise. The Lease indicated the basement extended under the High Street even though the area beneath the road was not accessible. We advised our Client verify the extent of the demise for which they would be liable.
The instruction was subject to a tight timescale and our Client under pressure to agree the Lease. Following receipt of instructions we surveyed the building and issued the Building Survey Report within a week.
