I am the Principal of Coombs and Ashdown Chartered Surveyors of Nos. 1 and 2 The Barns, Lower Farm, High Street, Irchester, Northants, NN29 7AB.
I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Land Administration, and I am a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
I worked as a Senior Surveyor for North Bedfordshire Borough Council from 1983 to 1989. I then joined Bedfordshire County Council in a similar position from 1989 to 1991. In 1991 I joined the private practice of Wilson Peacock in Bedford, and was Head of their Commercial Department. In 1994 I took up the post of Associate with Messrs Savills in their Cambridge office.
From January 1996 to date I have acted as a Consultant to two regional firms of Chartered Surveyors mainly carrying out valuations and surveys. I established my own practice of Coombs and Co in April 1999.
I have considerable experience in the valuation of both residential and commercial property. Since 1983 I have dealt with thousands of valuations and surveys for clients including valuations of such varied interests. A significant number of such valuations have been carried out on behalf of mainstream lenders and similar financial institutions.
My significant experience in the industry has involved me in numerous assessments including retrospective valuations. This includes a significant number of valuations throughout Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Leicestershire, Norfolk, and surrounding counties.
I specialise in condition surveys on all properties but mostly Grade I and II listed buildings. During my period of professional practice, I have not been the subject of any proceedings, legal or otherwise, regarding valuation advice or reporting. I have provided expert witness advice regarding valuations and legal proceedings.
I have been asked to provide Expert Witness reports and have given evidence in Court in the past, although, to date, most matters have been settled prior to the Court Hearing dates.
I have given expert witness advice/evidence for valuation purposes at a Planning appeal. I have given expert witness advice at a Land Tribunal Hearing in connection with a Compulsory Purchase Order.
I have, to date, given evidence under cross examination from barristers in Court on more than 15 occasions.
© 2023 Coombs & Ashdown Limited. Registered in England & Wales company number 14754121
Condition reports and dilapidation reports in Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire & Leicestershire
Condition reports will form part of preliminary/interim/final reports, or they may be commissioned as distinct pieces of work to describe the condition of an element at a particular point in time (but not making recommendations for treatment).
A dilapidation report is an inspection and written report, supported with photographs of the condition of a building or adjacent infrastructure that is undertaken prior to work commencing on an adjoining property. The proposed work can include a new building, alterations to a retaining wall, road works, underground tunnelling or demolitions.
The condition reports and schedules we undertake:
• Pre-Lease condition reports
• Photographic schedules
• Dilapidation reports
• Construction/contractor disputes
• Expert witness reports
Condition reports and dilapidation reports in Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire & Leicestershire
Condition reports will form part of preliminary/interim/final reports, or they may be commissioned as distinct pieces of work to describe the condition of an item at a particular point in time (but not making recommendations for treatment).
A dilapidation report is an inspection and written report, supported with photographs of the condition of a building or adjacent infrastructure that is undertaken prior to work commencing on an adjoining property. The proposed work can include a new building, alterations to a retaining wall, road works, underground tunnelling or demolitions.
The condition reports and schedules we undertake:
• Pre-Lease condition reports
• Photographic schedules
• Dilapidation reports
• Construction/contractor disputes
• Expert witness reports
A full inspection of all aspects of the property using a traffic light system to identify areas where no work is required, attention is required and matters which are dangerous, urgent or expensive to repair.
The aim of the report is to advise you of works required and potential maintenance going forward. This is a very user friendly report and, although extensive, is easy to read.
We do not use prepopulated report writing software and each and every report is unique and tailored to the specific task in hand.
Our level 2 service includes a valuation which is carried out in accordance with the RICS Valuation – Global Standards 2022 (The Red Book) as well as a reinstatement valuation for insurance purposes.
The RICS are a globally recognised governing body for chartered surveyors. The Red Book regulates the way in which we conduct and report valuations, producing a result upon which you can rely for all circumstances where a valuation is required. Matthew Coombs and David Ashdown are both registered valuers for the RICS.
If your valuation request falls outside of the parameters of a Red Book Valuation we are able to produce a bespoke document relevant to your needs.
