Why Local Knowledge Still Matters in Surveying

Tollington Surveyors
Nov 3, 2025
5 min read

Updated: Nov 4, 2025

Why Local Knowledge Still Matters in Surveying

We take pride in being a genuinely local firm. Based in Stroud Green, we live and work across the same neighbourhoods we survey — from Finsbury Park, Crouch End, Muswell Hill, and Alexandra Palace to Tottenham, Islington, Clissold Park, and Camden.

A surveyor can travel from anywhere, and the surveying or RICS training we all receive is the same across the board. Surveyors are generally used to travelling. However, there is no substitute for local knowledge.

Understanding the lay of a particular street, the history of its conversions, or the environmental challenges it faces can make a world of difference to the quality and context of a survey. For example, we know that parts of Finsbury Park have been affected by surface water flooding, while separate areas such as Priory Road in Hornsey have experienced more significant historical flooding events. We are familiar with the flood mitigation measures introduced by Thames Water and Haringey Council in and around Priory Road and can comment on their effectiveness. Just to give an example, in lower ground floor areas — particularly around the Priory Road area — where walls have been drylined internally, we can often explain the likely reasons why and advise accordingly. We can also advise on investigating the history of any previous insurance claims, when such remedial works were likely carried out, and why certain properties have been so heavily renovated as a result.

Local knowledge also extends to understanding how individual blocks and conversions have evolved. In areas such as Crouch End, Muswell Hill, and Stroud Green, where many buildings fall within conservation areas, knowing what types of alterations are typically permitted and what are not is invaluable. We are familiar with the planning approach of Haringey and Islington Councils and can often recognise, even before entering a property, where past alterations may have breached planning or conservation constraints. We also live within a conservation area ourselves, which gives us first-hand understanding of what can and cannot be approved — from replacement windows and roof coverings to rear extensions and boundary treatments.

Being local also means we have a sense of what represents fair value. We only serve the North London community and can often give an approximate opinion on pricing or value ranges, even without carrying out a formal valuation. If an agreed price appears unusually high or low for the area, we will tell you straight away. We believe in being transparent with our clients because, more often than not, our clients are also our neighbours.

This proximity allows us to stay involved beyond the inspection itself. Many of our clients contact us during or after the process for further advice, and we are always happy to help. We see our work as part of an ongoing relationship, not a one-off transaction. We live here, we walk the same streets, our children go to school in the area, and we understand what makes each road, block, and property unique.

We are a unique firm. Our surveyors hold Master’s degrees in Building Surveying and are professionally accredited with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), and The Property Institute (TPI). We are fully regulated by RICS and carry comprehensive Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance covering all building surveys and valuations undertaken by our surveyors. Tollington Surveyors is also a registered and approved Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) drone operator, holding full drone insurance for aerial roof inspections where safe and appropriate.

We feel this combination of qualifications is unique. The Property Institute specialises in effective property management — from understanding leases, service charges, and major works to the technical and legal aspects of building maintenance and long-term management. This gives us an additional layer of expertise beyond traditional building surveying.

In areas such as Finsbury Park, Clissold Park, Islington, and Crouch End, where many homes are leasehold or share of freehold, this knowledge is invaluable. Buyers — particularly first-time buyers — are often unaware of, or do not fully understand, the process of leasehold ownership and the extent of their long-term liabilities. This can include ongoing service charges, Section 20 major works, building insurance, and shared maintenance obligations. We take the time to explain how this process works in practice, helping our clients understand what they are committing to, what falls under their responsibility, and what remains the duty of the freeholder or managing agent. If you are purchasing a share of freehold, do you fully understand your collective responsibilities — particularly regarding fire safety, building insurance, and the management of communal areas? These are often overlooked but carry serious legal and financial implications if not properly managed.

This practical understanding of both the building fabric and its legal framework means our advice is not only technical but also grounded in the realities of ownership and management. It’s this balance of surveying and property management knowledge that makes us different.

Very importantly, we use only the official RICS report format and platform. This ensures every report is produced to a consistent national standard, fully compliant with RICS methodology and terminology. This protects our clients by guaranteeing transparency, recognised condition ratings, and professional accountability — not a generic template or self-written format.

On many occasions, tenants or agents have been unable to provide access at the arranged time. All firms charge cancellation or no-access fees in such circumstances, we take a fairer view. Because we are local, everything from Camden to Muswell Hill is only a short drive away — typically ten minutes. Countless times, we have waived these charges entirely, recognising that missed access is rarely the client’s fault. This flexibility and fairness are part of what defines us. It’s an approach that simply cannot be offered by surveyors travelling from outside the area.

Thirty or forty years ago, nearly all surveyors were local. There were no valuation portals or online data sources. A surveyor knew the area because he lived there, built relationships with local agents, and understood the character and rhythm of his surroundings. We aim to preserve that same connection today — balancing traditional local practice with modern standards and technology.

While RICS surveys do not include environmental or flood searches, we will always raise these matters with you where relevant so that you can discuss them with your solicitor. We believe a good surveyor should not only inspect a property but help clients understand the wider setting and practical risks that come with it.

At Tollington Surveyors, being local means being accountable, familiar, and invested in the community. It’s not just where we work — it’s where we live. Contact us if you need a HomeBuyer or Building Survey — our process is simple, and you are in good hands.