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GP Surveyors challenged Eastern and Coastal Kent PCT’s local dispute procedure after representing a GP client whose surgery was being underfunded in the Notional Rent reimbursement it receives. Read the New Surgery case study to find out more…

New Surgery is a purpose-built surgery located in Folkstone, Kent. With over 9000 patients, the surgery has expanded over recent years and in 2003 had an extension to accommodate the growing needs of the practice.

Sue Chandler, Practice Manager at New Surgery explains; “We were contacted by GP Surveyors via a mailshot and after speaking with our assigned Client Manager about the procedure I put the idea forward to the partners at the practice. After receiving our Notional Rent figure from the District Valuer we decided to instruct GP Surveyors to challenge it on our behalf in 2008.”

The original rental figure produced by the District Valuer (DV) was £47,000. GP Surveyors assigned a surveyor to the case, Paul Conlan, who initially followed Eastern and Coastal Kent’s (ECK) Local Procedure. Submissions were sent to the PCT challenging the DV’s opinion of the initial value and after reviewing these, ECK sought additional advice from the DV who subsequently increased their figure to £52,000.

“We referred the matter through the Dispute Resolution Process at the NHSLA”

This new figure was deemed to be insufficient by GP Surveyors, who continued to challenge through the local procedure. The PCT referred the matter to their Appointed Surveyor to investigate and then report to the Estates Working Group (EWG). This resulted in them contesting that £52,000 was excessively high and that they would have actually valued below this level. EWG subsequently confirmed that £52,000 was the correct figure and would not increase this figure.

Paul Conlan, Managing Chartered Surveyor at GP Surveyors explains; “To progress the case to reach an agreement we then referred the matter through the Dispute Resolution Process at the NHSLA, where the RICS appointed Expert Advisor who was appointed to conclude the case determined that a fair rental would be £58,000.

This figure was then endorsed by the NHSLA which meant that we were able to agree a settlement with an increase of £11,000 per annum above the District Valuer’s initial offer which equates to a 23 per cent increase for the surgery.”

“Doctors in the region should seek specialist advice if they wish to challenge their Notional Rent figures”

Sue Chandler explains; “The new valuation allows the property owning partners to know what their investment is truly worth and may help in planning for their futures. The extra income from the increase will be of assistance in keeping the building in good order and fully maintained.”

“Although our review turned into a seventeen month marathon this was not due to either us or GP Surveyors. The whole process other than time delay was painless and did not involve very much work for me.”

Paul Conlan ends; “This case was unusual in the time it took to resolve. The majority of our cases are settled within a few months, however where there is a dispute and the NHSLA are involved, they can become lengthier. From this case we conclude that the local procedure in Eastern and Coastal Kent might not be in the Doctors best interests and therefore Doctors in the region should seek specialist advice if they wish to challenge their notional rent figures”

 

GP Surveyors hope you found case study on New Surgery to be a useful resource. To book a review of your Notional Rent please contact us today and we will be happy to help.

 

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Beauchamp House Surgery received reimbursement increases, above the PCT’s initial valuation, of 28% and 22.7% for consecutive Notional Rent reviews, see how GP Surveyors achieved such a result in this case study.

Beauchamp House Surgery in Essex approached GP Surveyors to provide a second opinion on their Notional Rent reimbursement in both 2008 and 2011, after they received valuations from the PCT that they believed were too low.

James Williams, the surveyor assigned to the case, inspected the surgery in 2008 and agreed that the valuation should have been higher due to a number of reasons including:

1) Inaccurate floor areas:

The District Valuer (DV) had used inaccurate floor areas that had been adopted in previous unchallenged valuations.

2) Low unit rate:

GP Surveyors felt that a higher unit rate would more appropriately reflect the central location of the surgery and the large 1970s Purpose Built extension to the rear.

3) Low value placed on car parking spaces:

GP Surveyors proposed that a greater value be attached to the surgery’s car parking spaces due to its central position.

Following successful negotiations with the DV, GP Surveyors agreed an increase of 28%, above the PCT’s initial valuation.

Three years later, a different DV was appointed to carry out the surgery’s next Notional Rent review. His opinion of the surgery’s value was much lower than expected.

The surgery attempted to discuss the matter with the DV however he felt entirely justified and correct in his decision.

GP Surveyors were instructed yet again and negotiated an increase of 22.7% above the PCT’s initial valuation.

Dr Simon P. Schultz, Partner at Beauchamp House Surgery, said:

“We were frustrated by a PCT that wished to reduce our Notional Rent and a DV who refused to negotiate with us.

“Following GP Surveyors’ negotiations, we secured a Notional Rent increase of 22.7% above what was being proposed by the PCT! The increase in funding is particularly important to us at a time when financial pressures on primary care are so great. With the extra funding received, not only have we prevented a substantial drop in practice income but now can also afford to refurbish, repair and decorate our building!

“From our experience, all medical practices should seek a second opinion on their Notional Rent to ensure that they aren’t missing out. There is absolutely no cost to ask GP surveyors for advice, we have used them twice with excellent results on both occasions.”

James Williams echoes this: “This case is a great example of why GPs should seek a second opinion from a Chartered Surveyor during every triennial Notional Rent review.”

 

Our Beauchamp House case study illustrates what a difference double-checking your Notional Rent, with a specialist surveyor, can make. To book a Notional Rent review please contact us today and we will be happy to help.

 

Following GP Surveyors’ negotiations, Downlands Medical Centre in East Sussex received a Notional Rent increase of 49.3% above the PCT’s initial valuation, read their case study to find out how.

Downlands Medical Centre approached GP Surveyors in 2012 because they wished to seek a second opinion as to whether their Notional Rent reimbursement was correct.

They had suspicions that the figure of £29,230 presented to them by the PCT was too low, however they never imagined that they were being underfunded by so much.

Following his in-depth inspection of the surgery premises, Chris Kozlowski, the surveyor assigned to the practice, agreed with this view point and GP Surveyors took on the case.

Chris presented the case to the PCT and clearly demonstrated why he believed the Notional Rent for the surgery should be higher. He drew on a wide variety of comparable evidence – looking at the Notional Rents of similar surgeries in similar locations.

Following GP Surveyors’ successful negotiations, a new Notional Rent reimbursement figure was agreed with the PCT which amounted to a total uplift of £43,260 over three years – until their next triennial review.

Dr Steve Dickson, Finance Officer, said:

“We believed that the Notional Rent for our surgery was too low so we approached GP Surveyors for a second opinion.

“Following their negotiations, Downlands Medical Centre secured a Notional Rent increase of 49.3% above what was being proposed by the PCT. We never imagined that the increase in reimbursement would be so great.

“The increase in funds will mean that we can plough investment back into our GP surgery building which otherwise we would have had to fund through earnings from the business. As part of this we plan to upgrade our entrance by installing automatic doors, update the building’s electrics and solve issues we have with drainage.

“GP Surgeries should all get their Notional Rent reimbursement checked by a specialist surveyor to ensure that they too are not being underfunded.”

Chris Kozlowski commented: “This Notional Rent increase will provide obvious benefits to Downlands Medical Centre at a time when financial pressures on GP surgeries have never been so great.

“Having sought a second opinion from a specialist healthcare surveyor, the practice can now rest assured that they are receiving the correct level of Notional Rent until their next review in three years’ time.”

 

We hope you found our Downlands Medical Centre case study to be a useful resource. To book a review of your Notional Rent please contact us today and we will be happy to help.

 

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Graham Brown, the Practice Manager at Tilehurst Medical Centre explains that whilst GPs and Practice Managers become experts in many fields, premises valuation is probably beyond the remit of most and that sometimes it is to their advantage to call on expert advice and support. Read Tilehurst Medical Centre s case study to find out how we boosted their Notional Rent.

Tilehurst Medical Centre is a located in a converted property in Reading, Berkshire. Graham Brown is the Practice Manager there. He explains; “We first heard about GP Surveyors as they had maintained regular informal telephone contact with the practice, but without any pressure, in the 2 years leading up to the next triennial review. Due to this passive relationship which had been established we decided to test their services when our review came around.”

“In retrospect there really is nothing to lose; it is a true ‘no win, no fee’ service”

Ben Oldfield was the assigned Surveyor to the case. He explains; “Having been kindly instructed to check the Notional Rent (NR) proposed by the District Valuer (DV), I visited the surgery to inspect and measure the property. The next step was to gather comparable evidence and value the surgery in rental terms. It then become apparent to me that the NR proposed was a little low and certainly worth challenging.”

“Prior to instructing the DV, the PCT requested my valuation and supporting evidence, which I duly provided. Once the DV was instructed, he sent me his valuation and it became clear that he had the incorrect reimbursable area (sq m) as well as the £ / sq m being too low. I provided my sketch plans and we quickly agreed on a larger reimbursable area and after some negotiation we agreed a revised NR of £20,350pa from the starting figure of £17,750pa.”

“All other local practices can potentially gain from the new valuation baseline agreed by GP Surveyors with the District Valuation office”

Graham continues; “GP Surveyors were successful in securing a very welcome 15 per cent uplift and in retrospect there really is nothing to lose; it is a true “no win, no fee” service. The increase means we will now benefit from the year 2 and 3 incremental financial gain into the practice cash flow. In addition to which, all other local practices can potentially gain from the new valuation baseline created by GP Surveyors with the District Valuation office.”

“Whilst GPs and Practice Managers become experts in many fields, premises valuation is probably beyond the remit of most of us. We should acknowledge that sometimes it is to our advantage to call on expert advice and support.”

“All practices will appreciate that opportunities to secure a significant increase to practice income under the current financial climate cannot be overlooked”

“All practices will appreciate that opportunities to secure a significant increase to practice income under the current financial climate cannot be overlooked. GP Surveyors have allowed us to offset some of the variable cost increases which we are all facing.”

Graham concludes; “By instructing GP Surveyors to work for the practice it has dramatically improved our loan repayment/Notional Rent ratio with ensuing positive impact on cash flow. I have no hesitation in recommending GP Surveyors; they provided a discreet and professional service, requiring minimal input from the practice. Their administration is thorough and efficient, providing regular updates throughout, even when the process was delayed due to a change in District Valuer which meant that their previous negotiations had to restart with a new surveyor. They cannot be successful for every practice on every occasion but their “no win, no fee” policy means that it is worth taking a chance, and that’s from a usual sceptic!”

 

We hope you found our Tilehurst Medical Centre case study to be a useful read. To book a review of your Notional Rent please contact us today and we will be happy to help.

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GP Surveyors has completed cases for 40% of the GP-owned practices in Essex and has a fantastic track record of achieving great results. Read our Dorian Road Surgery case study to find out more.

Throughout GP Surveyors ten year history we have worked with 40 per cent of the GP-owned practices in Essex meaning we have a huge amount of experience and knowledge of the local market as well as a wealth of evidence to be used in agreeing future cases.

“We decided to proceed as we liked the terms that were offered”

The Dorian Road Surgery in Hornchurch is a two-storey converted property. The Practice Manager explains; “I was contacted by GP Surveyors and after discussions with our assigned Client Manager Jonathon Dunn, we decided to proceed as we liked the terms that were offered.”

GP Surveyors has dealt with all of the local PCTs in Essex, however during this case we found that one of the PCTs, Havering, had altered their local policy regarding rent reimbursements.

“We felt that their policy was designed to dissuade Doctors from challenging the initial Notional Rent assessment”

The assigned surveyor in this case was Andy Churchill. He explains “When our client informed Havering PCT that GP Surveyors would be representing them to negotiate on their behalf, we were advised that negotiations could only take place directly between the PCT and the GP. The PCT also took the decision at that stage not to instruct the District Valuer to negotiate the correct level of Notional Rent.”

GP Surveyors advised Havering PCT that we would refer the case straight to the NHSLA to apply for dispute resolution, as we felt that their local policy went against the Premises Costs Directions 2004. We also felt that their policy was designed to dissuade Doctors from challenging the initial Notional Rent assessment.

“GP Surveyors presented a robust case with a wealth of strong evidence as to why we felt the surgery was being underfunded. Havering PCT subsequently changed their local policy and opened up dialect with ourselves and worked with us to resolve the case. A District Valuer was instructed to undertake negotiations and the case was then resolved quickly to our satisfaction. We were able achieve a substantial increase for the Dorian Road Surgery.”

The Practice Manager at Dorian Road concludes; “We’re glad that we challenged our offer as we have received an increase of 13 per cent above the District Valuer’s offer. The process went smoothly and we were kept informed at all stages.”

We hope you found our Dorian Road Surgery case study to be a useful read. To book a review of your Notional Rent please contact us today and we will be happy to help.

 

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GP Surveyors recently undertook a retrospective Notional Rent review for Summer Hill Surgery in Northern Ireland. Following GP Surveyors’ negotiations, an increase in Notional Rent reimbursement (above the figure calculated by the District Valuer) of 27% was agreed for the surgery’s 2007 review. Read our Summerhill Surgery case study to find out more.

“This amounted to a total increase of £30,600 over the three-year Notional Rent period which will have been paid out retrospectively to the practice as a lump sum,” says Paul Conlan – Managing Surveyor at GP Surveyors. “This is a huge increase in income for the practice. We are pleased that Summer Hill Surgery has finally received a fair Notional Rent which was comparable with the reimbursement of similar surgeries in 2007.”

Summer Hill Surgery were very pleased by the end result: “Surprised is an understatement!” commented Damian Fearon – Practice Manager at the surgery. “We were astonished and delighted!

“As a one off payment it is a significant windfall for the owners. Furthermore, it now places a realistic capital value on the premises, and offers a significant increase in rent over mortgage surplus moving forward.”

The process of achieving this result wasn’t straightforward. Paul Conlan explains: “We were met with much more resistance to Notional Rent appeals in Northern Ireland than in other areas of the UK. We had to demonstrate patience and persistence over a prolonged period of time and had to raise legal disputes in order to get the results that we knew were reasonable for our client.
Damian explains why the practice chose to use GP Surveyors to negotiate their Notional Rent: “We spoke to GP Surveyors who assured us that if there was no increase, then they charged no fee. So there was nothing for us to lose. Also, we knew that we didn’t have the time or expertise to appeal the rent ourselves.”
Both Paul and Damian agree that other surgeries in Northern Ireland should seek a second opinion on their Notional Rent immediately. Damian says: “We are extremely satisfied with the service, and would recommend it to all Practices in N.I.”

Paul concludes: “It is clear from our work with Summer Hill Surgery (and some other surgeries in the area) that there could be other practices in Northern Ireland that are underfunded. Practices should therefore contact GP Surveyors for a free Notional Rent assessment. We can then check your reimbursement and progress negotiations with the District Valuer if we believe that you are undervalued in comparison with others.”

 

We hope you found our Summerhill Surgery case study to be a useful read. To book a review of your Notional Rent please contact us today and we will be happy to help.

 

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The practice team at Lockwood Surgery now has a better understanding of how the Notional Rent review and appeal system works after GP Surveyors worked for them to challenge their Notional Rent figure. Read their case study to learn more.

Lockwood Surgery is a 1990s purpose-built surgery located just south of the centre of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.

Following a recent District Valuer assessment, they decided to approach GP Surveyors to carry out a survey to assess the possibility of contesting the latest review.

“The increase maintains our Notional Rent on an up-to-date and realistic level”

Practice Manager Colin Drake explains; “This resulted in advice that it is possible to make a challenge and it could be worthwhile for us to do so. The attraction to us was that this was conducted on a no win, no fee basis”.

James Williams was the assigned Surveyor on this case. He explains; “The initial survey and valuation of the premises indicated a difference between our own valuation and the opinion expressed by the District Valuer (DV) of £32,200. Shortly after entering into negotiations with the DV it became apparent that there were some slight differences in floor areas, with the DV adopting a slightly incorrect assessment based mainly upon more historic and outdated records. We corrected the assessment of floor areas and identified additional local evidence which the DV was not aware of at the time of their valuation. Using this evidence, which was drawn from our national database, I was able to demonstrate to the DV that an increase in the initially reported opinion was required.”

“Apart from the financial benefit we think that it has improved our understanding of how the system works”

Through the course of negotiation we were able to increase the DVs offer from £32,200 to £34,700. This was accordingly recommended to the Practice for acceptance.

Colin continues; “The increase we’ve received maintains our Notional Rent on an up-to-date and realistic level with obvious financial benefit to the practice. From our experience we would suggest that all Notional Rent valuations are checked by a specialist Surveyor.”

Colin concludes; “Apart from the financial benefit we think that by instructing GP Surveyors to work for us it has improved our understanding of how the system works”.

 

We hope you found our Lockwood Surgery case study to be a useful read. To book a review of your Notional Rent please contact us today and we will be happy to help.

 

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Orchard House Surgery case study

Orchard House can now implement some long-awaited improvements to the practice premises, making their working and business environment nicer for patients and staff, after GP Surveyors increased their Notional Rent figure.

Orchard House Surgery is a purpose-built surgery in Newmarket, Suffolk. They had little background knowledge about the district valuation process and so wanted to be sure that they were receiving a correct valuation for their property.

Margaret West is the Practice Manager at Orchard House Surgery. She explains; “We decided to use GP Surveyors as we felt we had nothing to lose. They only make a charge to the practice when they win a successful case.”

“Practices have three years from the date of the valuation to dispute Notional Rent”

Paul Conlan was the Surveyor to this case. He explains; “There were two main issues which we had to resolve before reaching a satisfactory outcome. The first was that the PCT originally refused to open the case and contended that the practice only had “a period of 2 weeks in which to dispute the rental value”. This is incorrect as contractually practices have three years from the date of valuation or from when the PCT issues the valuation (whichever is the later) to dispute any element of the contract (including Notional Rent).”

“As it is almost impossible for a practice to know whether their rent is fair or not, it makes sense to employ an expert company”

“We made representations to the PCT relating to contractual timescales and they then invited valuation representations supporting why it was felt that District Valuer’s (DV) figure was low. The PCT subsequently confirmed they would instruct the DV to discuss the valuation with us.”

“The second issue in this case was that once it was opened by the PCT, the DV would not deviate from original valuation and reported matters as unagreed to the PCT. The NHSLA Local Dispute Resolution Protocol was followed and completed. Unfortunately this did not lead to a resolution as the DV again refused to accept GP Surveyors representations and therefore did not deviate from the original valuation reported.”

Paul finishes;”A dispute application was made to the NHSLA and an Expert Advisor appointed through the RICS. The case was concluded when the NHSLA ratified the valuation contained in the Expert Advisors report. This valuation proposed a significant increase in funding (13%) over the figure defended by the DV and PCT at dispute.”

Margaret continues; “The increase will enable the practice to plan and implement some long awaited improvements to the practice premises making our working and business environment much nicer for patients and staff. It is important that practices are assessed fairly for Notional Rent and as it is almost impossible for a practice to know whether their rent is appropriate or not, it makes sense to employ an expert company with a good track record to undertake an assessment.”

“The increase in Notional Rent has a positive impact on the valuation of our property as a whole”

Margaret concludes; “We are now fully aware of the true valuation of our premises. The increase in Notional Rent has a positive impact on the valuation of our property as a whole. GP Surveyors acted incredibly professionally throughout the whole process. When we reached the stage that a challenge with our local PCT was on the cards, they respected our wishes to work with our PCT to resolve our differences of opinion in an amicable way. Although our case did end up going to appeal, we never felt that we were asking for something that was not justified. We were supported throughout with information and guidance as appropriate.”

 

We hope you enjoyed our case study on Orchard House Surgery. If you’d like GP Surveyors to carry out an assessment of your Notional Rent,please contact us today.

 

Woodbrook Centre case study

Woodbrook Medical Centre in Loughborough called upon GP Surveyors services when they felt the Notional Rent figure provided by the District Valuer at their last review was too low. Read their case study to find out how we helped achieve a great increase.

Woodbrook Medical Centre in Loughborough is a training practice which is located within a converted building that has had an extension.

Simon Bardsley is the Practice Manager. He explains; “I was first contacted by one of GP Surveyors representatives several years ago, but at the time the Partners were happy with the level of Notional Rent as the PCT had just agreed a substantial increase. We kept their details on file for future reference and kept in contact with the team until our latest review came up.”

“The increasing pressure on surgery finances meant that we needed to look at every way possible to increase income levels”

“We decided to use GP Surveyors because the increasing pressure on surgery finances meant that we needed to look at every way possible to increase income levels, and the offer of a “no increase-no fee” arrangement meant we had nothing to lose.”

“The whole process went very smoothly with very little work required by myself”

Ryan Stevens was the assigned Surveyor who negotiated the increase for the practice. “All in all this was a straight forward case. The areas were agreed beforehand as I had spoken to the District Valuer in order to move the process on faster. The District Valuer started the negotiations with a value which was significantly under the level of values being set by comparable properties. We arranged a meeting and within that meeting negotiated an increase which gave the practice a 22% uplift in their Notional Rent.”

Simon continues; “The increase will help us to maintain income levels and reduce the pressure on our finances. We have achieved a substantial increase which will not only help with our current situation but should help to ensure that future valuations are correct.”

“If I could provide any advice to other practices I would say that PCTs are constantly under similar financial pressures and are not likely to volunteer an increase without being challenged.”

Simon concludes; “Overall the whole process went very smoothly, with very little work required by myself.“

 

We hope you found our Woodbrook Medical Centre case study useful, if you would like GP Surveyors to carry out an assessment of your Notional Rent, please contact us.

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The Rochdale Road Medical Centre in Manchester received a Notional Rent increase of 11% after GP Surveyors took up negotiations on their behalf, read their case study to find out how.

GP Surveyors have worked with a number of GP practices in Manchester to increase the level of reimbursement they receive. Our ‘no increase-no fee’ terms mean that Doctors really do have nothing to lose and everything to gain by instructing GP Surveyors to negotiate on their behalf.

The Rochdale Road Medical Centre in Manchester is one practice that has recently used GP Surveyors. Located in a converted residential property, the practice has three Doctors with a patient list size of 5,170.

“Everytime the valuation has been challenged an increase has followed”

Stefan Ilnyckyj is the Practice Manager. He explains; “We decided to use GP Surveyors as there was no financial risk to the practice if they were unsuccessful in obtaining an increase in Notional Rent.”

“One GP at the practice owns the premises so the increase has improved the return on his investment, and Notional Rent is also superannuable, this increasing his pension.”

“An excellent service”

Stefan continues; “Previous valuations have always been undervalued and every time the valuation has been challenged an increase has followed.”

“The process was made very easy. GP Surveyors undertook all the work whilst at the same time kept the practice informed of the status and progress made. An excellent service.”

GP Surveyors obtained an 11 per cent increase above the District Valuer’s offer for the Rochdale Road Medical Centre taking their rent from £36,350 to £40,500 per annum.

Paul Conlan, Managing Chartered Surveyor at GP Surveyors says: “GP Surveyors have a high degree of technical expertise within the Health Care Sector and a natural aptitude for negotiation. Combined with an extensive market transaction database, these attributes enable us to present a convincing case on behalf of our clients during Notional Rent discussions.”

“With a proven track record of successfully increasing the District Valuer’s notified figures in the Manchester area, we feel that we are ideally placed to provide a high-quality service to Doctors in this location.”

 

We hope you found our Rochdale Road Medical Centre Case Study useful. If you would like GP Surveyors to carry out an assessment of your Notional Rent, please contact the team today.

 

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GP Surveyors achieved a fantastic Notional Rent increase above the District Valuer’s offer. Read our Paston Surgery case study to find out how. 

Paston Surgery in North Walsham, Norfolk is a 1990s purpose-built surgery with a small extension to the rear, set on a busy road within the small but vibrant market town of North Walsham, in the heart of Norfolk.

Graham Dodd is the Practice Manager and explains; “The increase we received means it is producing a better reimbursement on the premises expenses. In a GMS practice all the “overheads” like rates and water rates that used to be reimbursed pound for pound by the PCT are now part of our funding baseline and that has had no uplift for several years. The effect is that the funding for premises has fallen some way behind the cost of providing them, so an increase in Notional Rent will go some way to covering that.”

“Apart from having to produce a few bits and pieces I haven’t had to do much to gain around £5,000 a year”

James Williams was the assigned Surveyor on this case. He explains; “Initial investigations identified a lack of any professionally represented Current Market Rent (CMR) agreements for surgeries within the entire Norfolk region, suggesting that the District Valuer was using a range of unagreed generic values for all surgery accommodation in Norfolk.”

“The only professionally agreed CMRs tended to be for new build schemes agreed between Developers and the District Valuer. Further investigations unearthed what appear to be very low generic values relative to the newer schemes and when compared with surrounding regions. On this basis, negotiations commenced.”

“Due to a lack of similar comparable evidence within Norfolk, the District Valuer actively resisted reaching an agreement and I had to involve Norfolk PCT in seeking a resolution to the dispute. The PCT were very helpful and became involved in monitoring the situation. Shortly afterwards the District Valuer and I were able to reach agreement without the need to make representations to the NHS Litigation Authority.”

James concludes; “The final value agreed with the District Valuer represents the highest value that we are aware of for this type and age of surgery accommodation within the Norfolk region. Accordingly, this will change the comparable evidence used by the District Valuer and should enable the quicker settlement of all other cases within Norfolk.

“I can’t think why anyone would not want to do it!”

Graham Dodd continues; “I would recommend that other practices should challenge their figure because apart from having to produce a few bits and pieces for our assigned Client Manager Jon, and talk to him, which is no problem, I haven’t had to do much to gain around £5,000 a year for at least the next 3 years (2 years gain net), with the higher rent figure presumably being the start point of further years, so theoretically it’s an on-going gain to the practice. In our case the increase was around 12 per cent.”

Graham concludes; “Although it seems to have taken a while for the case to be concluded it’s been remarkably pain free, and there has been good communication throughout. I can’t think why anyone would not want to do it!”

We hope you found our Paston Surgery case study useful. If you would like us to carry out an assessment of your Notional Rent, please contact us.

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