Case Studies 

The case studies below demonstrate the risks associated with using an unqualified or inexperienced surveyor.

 

Doncaster - Estate Agent 

SSG was instructed by a business owner with a flat above retail premises to perform an immigration inspection. He had previously obtained a property inspection report for the flat prepared by an estate agent in support of a visitor visa. However, UKVI did not feel the report was credible and there was adequate space. Consequently, the application was denied. However, with our report, he achieved a successful outcome and his mother's visitor application was accepted.

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Bristol - RICS Surveyor

James had an inspection undertaken by a RICS-accredited surveyor. Normally a RICS accredited surveyor would be ideal for a home buyer report or housing disrepair claim. Unfortunately in this circumstance, he was not well rehearsed in the Housing Act 1985 and immigration inspection reports. He concluded a studio flat with single occupancy would be statutorily overcrowded with the addition of the applicant despite the dimensions being sufficient to accommodate a couple. 

 

After a consultation with James, we demonstrated the assessment of the RICS surveyor was incorrect. Our report resulted in a positive outcome and the gentleman was able to bring his wife over to the UK. However, the exercise resulted in the customer paying considerable fees. As the client had paid twice for an inspection and the RICS surveyor fees were considerably more than ours.

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Rochdale - Immigration Advisor

Salma sought the services of an immigration advisor to help with her visitor visa application. The immigration advisor also decided to offer her an additional service in the form of a property inspection. The customer was skeptical but decided to go ahead due to the lure of the price. The property featured high occupancy with multi-generational living. Unfortunately, the immigration advisor failed to realise the property was currently overcrowded, the report was poorly written and UKVI deemed the property to be statutorily overcrowded. The visa was rejected. Once again there was a lack of knowledge on the part of the advisor. His report was incorrect as he did not understand the overcrowding rules, particularly around children and the space standard. He should not have attempted the housing inspection nor the visa application.

 

Immigration advisors are trained in aspects of immigration law and regulated by OISC. They have no academic education concerning housing and surveying.  There was a clear conflict of interest as the immigration advisor who was representing the young lady should not have attempted the property inspection. 

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SSG provided consultation over the phone, but it became clear the property was statutorily overcrowded at present. We informed the client who was grateful for the honesty. The customer contacted us a few months later when she had moved to another property, we inspected and the visitor visa was granted.