Case Study – Notional Rent

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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Bretton Medical Practice have upgraded their reception area and made improvements to their telephone system after GP Surveyors achieved an 18% increase on their Notional Rent above the District Valuer’s initial offer.

The Bretton Medical Practice is located near Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. The purpose-built surgery has been extended over the last 30 years and now has a patient list size of 13,500.

“We felt that the initial valuation was well short of our expectations and that we should proceed with an alternative valuation”

Steve Robertson is the Practice Manager and first heard about GP Surveyors from another Practice Manager. He explains; “We felt that the initial valuation was well short of our expectations and that we should proceed with an alternative valuation. We hoped to achieve a higher, fairer valuation which reflected the building more accurately and wished to have a comparison figure, rather than just accept the one given to us initially.”

James Williams was the assigned Surveyor to this case. He explains; “Initial investigations indicated a significant variance between our own valuation and the opinion expressed by the District Valuer (DV) of £120,500. Shortly after entering into negotiations with the DV it became apparent that large areas of circulation space had been excluded incorrectly and the value adopted by the DV did not reflect the internal condition of the premises, based on the comparable evidence we identified.”

“The increase has helped with practice cash flow issues in a time when income into the practice is vital for any future investment in services, staff and patient needs”

“Through the course of negotiation we were able to increase the DVs offer from £120,500 to £142,500 meaning an increase of 18 per cent, which the Practice instructed us to accept on their behalf to conclude matters.”

Steve continues; “The increase has helped with practice cash flow issues in a time when income into the practice is vital for any future investment in services, staff and patient needs. We used the increase to upgrade our reception area and make improvements to our telephone system.”

Steve concludes; “Other GP practices should challenge their valuation as it is important to ensure they maximise their income and streamline their expenditure wherever possible. It is good business sense never to accept the first quote and strive to get the best possible price. We would be happy to encourage other practices to consider using GP Surveyors if they feel their practice has been undervalued.”

If you’d like GP Surveyors to carry out an assessment of your Notional Rent, please contact us on 0114 281 5850 or email [email protected]

 

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Blackwoods Medical Centre case study

Blackwoods Medical Centre located on the outskirts of Glasgow received an increase of 24 per cent above the District Valuer’s offer after GP Surveyors worked on their behalf to challenge their Notional Rent figure.

Blackwoods Medical Centre is a purpose built surgery with six Doctors. One of those, Dr Jamieson contacted GP Surveyors after seeing an advert for our services in the medical press.

He explains; “We decided to use GP Surveyors because my first contact with them was very positive and the fees quoted for the work they would undertake were realistic.”

“For years I have felt that the rental being generated did not adequately reflect the underlying value nor investment in our purpose built practice”

Through GP Surveyors skilled negation we obtained a 24 per cent increase in the Notional Rent for Blackwoods Medical Centre above the District Valuer’s offer, taking it from £24,250 to £30,000 per annum. This means the gross financial benefit to the practice will be £17,250 over the three year period.

Dr Jamieson continues; “For years I have felt that the rental being generated did not adequately reflect the underlying value nor investment in our purpose built practice premises and that nobody in their right mind would raise finance to generate such poor returns, even realising that a GP needs premises to operate from.”

“There is an opportunity to properly value GP premises”

“My advice to other Doctors who may be looking to challenge their current figure is to go for it as there is an opportunity to properly value GP premises. The previous system was hard to challenge.”
Paul Conlan was the assigned Surveyor on this case says; “Valuations in Scotland are more location specific than in other parts of the UK meaning other factors come into play when assessing the Current Market Rental for the premises. The reasons why surgeries are often underfunded include miscalculations of the reimbursable area and a cautious approach taken by the District Valuer as to the levels of the value”.

“We would actively encourage every practice to instruct a suitably qualified Surveyor to check the level of funding they receive.”

Dr Jamieson concludes; “We took a long time to get there, but we got a good result in the end.”

 

We hope you enjoyed reading our Blackwoods Medical Centre case study, to see our most recent case studies click here.

 

 

GP surgeries in East Sussex are losing out on up to five-figure sums on their premises rent according to GP Surveyors, read our East Sussex case study to see how we can assist your practice.

We have worked with over 20 practices in the County to increase their Notional Rent figures and have noticed a trend of underfunding for surgeries. After negotiating cases with the District Valuer (DV) we have agreed significant increases for our clients in the area.

The average increase for surgeries in East Sussex that GP Surveyors have worked with is 28 percent, which is above our national average of 15 percent that we have achieved for our 1500+ clients. One surgery in the area received an increase of £21,150 per annum above the District Valuer’s offer which equated to a 57 percent increase.

Churchwood Medical Practice in St Leonards-on-Sea is a purpose-built surgery with a patient list size of 5,800 and achieved an increase of 21 percent above the District Valuer’s offer taking their Notional Rent figure from £29,100 per annum to £35,075 per annum.

“We have long thought we were being underpaid in comparison to other local practices”

Julie Swaffer, Practice Manager at the surgery explains; “We heard about GP surveyors through me doing my Diploma in Primary Care Management; I had to do a LIFT & Notional Rent assignment. The increase achieved is great for us as we are refurbishing the practice and this will help with our costs.”

“We have long thought we were being underpaid for Notional Rent in comparison to other local practices; PCT’s seem to forget that local GPs have friendships and contact with each other out of work.”

“GP Surveyors were easy to deal with; we did not do anything really apart from sign a document and we received our uplift in our February income. Practices have nothing to lose by signing-up for GP Surveyors services due to their ‘no win no fee basis’.”

Sea Road Surgery in Bexhill-on-Sea is another example of where we have managed to agree a large settlement figure. With 6,000 patients, the surgery is located in a converted 2-storey townhouse. Their initial valuation came in at £27,400.

“In the current financial climate, with income for GP surgeries under threat from various sources, any increase is welcome”

Glenn Sully, Practice Manager explains; “GP Surveyors managed to obtain a 31 per cent increase for us, taking our rent to £36,000 per annum. I heard about GP Surveyors via another Practice Manager and decided to use their services because of the fact that if they don’t achieve an increase there is no fee payable. In the current financial climate, with income for GP surgeries under threat from various sources, any increase is welcomed and particularly one of this size!”

Malcolm Wright is the Practice Manager at the Silver Springs Medical Centre in St Leonards-on-Sea. GP Surveyors managed to achieve a 34 per cent increase on the surgery’s Notional Rent offer from the District Valuer equating to an increase of nearly £10,000 per annum.

He explains “We heard about GP Surveyors from another neighbouring practice; Beaconsfield Surgery. The increase was unexpected but nevertheless most welcome, particularly in these tough times. The money will be a welcome addition to our tight practice budget. From our experience, PCTs and the District Valuer are never forthcoming with the information necessary to debate rentals; practices tend to rely on these parties having the last say.”

“GP Surveyors have a high degree of technical expertise in the Health Care Sector and a natural aptitude for negotiation”

“It is good to know there are professional’s around who can fight your case. GP Surveyors were extremely helpful and knowledgeable. They knew the ropes and procedures to follow. Being kept informed and constantly updated was good and you felt comfortable with the proceedings. It was the right decision for us and good working with such a helpful firm of professionals was a bonus”.

Paul Conlan – Managing Chartered Surveyor at GP Surveyors, who has recently been involved in two of the cases in East Sussex, including the surgery which achieved a 57 per cent increase 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 figure in East Sussex, we feel that we are ideally placed to provide a high quality service to Doctors in this location.”

 

We hope you found our East Sussex case study useful. GP Surveyors carry out Notional Rent Reviews across the UK, if you would like us to assess your Notional Rent please contact the team today.

 

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GP Surveyors achieved a huge increase for Meddygfa Abersoch near Pwllheli, North Wales, after we valued the surgery and thought they were being underfunded compared to other surgeries in the area, read this case study to see how.

The surgery in Abersoch was purpose built in the early 1970’s and underwent extensive moderisation alterations in 1993.

Meryl Williams is the Practice Manager at the surgery. She explains; “We first became aware of GP Surveyors after one of our doctors met someone from the company at an event a couple of years ago. We were then contacted by Jon, who was our assigned Client Manager, who told me he could get the value increased.”

“The increase we have received means there is more money coming into the practice”

Through GP Surveyors skilled negotiation we achieved a 34 per cent increase for the surgery, increasing the District Valuer’s offer from £9,000 to £12,100.

Meryl continues; “The increase we have received means there is more money coming into the practice. Other surgeries should challenge their figure from the District Valuer as it will help them increase their income.”

“Essentially this means that a positive precedent has been cemented in North Wales, which is great news for us and our clients”

Liam Loudon was the assigned Surveyor on the case. He explains; “We based the final unit rate on a comparable agreement on a surgery close-by which was also a modern purpose-built surgery. We also looked at other surgeries that GP Surveyors had previously agreed in other North Wales coastal locations.”

“The District Valuer gave consideration to the previous agreements and adjusted the unit rate for Meddygfa Abersoch. Essentially this means that a positive precedent has been cemented in North Wales, as we seem to be using all of our own previous agreements as the only evidence on which to base new decisions, which is excellent news for us and our clients.”

 

Our Meddygfa Abersoch 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.

 

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Pike View Medical Centre used GP Surveyors back in 2006 to negotiate a move from Cost Rent to Notional Rent. We have worked for them again on their 2009 review after the District Valuer reduced their Notional Rent figure. Read all about how we helped Pike View Medical Centre in their case study…

Pike View Medical Centre is a purpose-built surgery located in Horwich, Bolton. Dr Korlipara is the GP landlord for the Medical Centre. He explains; “The local District Valuer (DV) appointed by the local Health Authority (PCT) had not increased the Notional Rent on our Medical Centre since it was built in 1983 under the Cost Rent scheme.”

“I was getting frustrated why, for so many years, the rent had not been increased”

“In 2006 I was getting frustrated why, for so many years, the rent had not been increased. So in desperation I made enquiries as to where I could get help from and I found a local GP colleague who suggested GP Surveyors. They were absolutely brilliant. I was incredulous when I heard that at long last our Notional Rent was substantially increased from £28,260pa to £37,000pa (a 31 per cent increase). I was hoping for some increase in the rent after years of waiting, but I was unprepared for such a substantial increase.”

“By not challenging the District Valuer’s rent review, many Doctors lose out significantly on the gains they could have made”

Dr Korlipara continues; “The rent valuation carried out by the DV appointed by the local PCT, appears almost always biased in favour of the PCT rather than being fair to the Doctors who own the premises. Every GP in the UK should automatically appeal against the rent quoted by the DV with the help of GP Surveyors to act on the Doctors’ behalf. It does not cost the Doctors anything at all unless there is a successful appeal and an increase in the rent review. The Doctors lose absolutely nothing if the rent is not increased, and they only pay a proportion of their increase in rent if they win the case. By not challenging the DV’s rent review, many Doctors lose out significantly on the gains they could have made.”

David George was the assigned Surveyor on the latest rent review. He explains; “The 2009 figure was actually reduced by the DV by £500 to £36,500pa, however we began negotiations and were able to achieve an increase up to £41,000, equating to a 12 per cent increase on the District Valuer’s initial reduced offer.”

Dr Korlipara continues; “The increases we have received means that the Practice can continue providing comprehensive medical facilities under one roof and even consider extending the surgery to introduce new services for the benefit of the patients, with the approval of the local PCT. We can continue to modernise to meet patient expectations.”

“We can continue to modernise to meet patient expectations”

Dr Korlipara concludes; “I would strongly urge every GP who owns the practice premises to appeal against the rent assessed by the local District Valuer, before accepting the final figure. GP Surveyors know what they are doing and have their own Chartered Surveyors to challenge the figures arrived at by the DVs. Doctors lose nothing by challenging the decision and gain everything by this route.”

David George concludes; “GP Surveyors aim is to help Doctors get the Notional Rent they deserve for their surgery. We are able to do this because we have an excellent knowledge base allowing us to help Doctors throughout the country. Pike View Medical Centre is a typical case where we were able to get good increases at every review.

We hope you found our Pike View 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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Ardmore Medical Practice case study

Ardmore Medical Practice received a massive 78% increase in Notional Rent, above the District Valuer’s (DV) offer, after GP Surveyors challenged the figure on their behalf. 

Ardmore Medical Practice is located in Dungannon, County Tyrone. The surgery was receiving Cost Rent and contacted GP Surveyors to ascertain if it would be financially beneficial moving onto Notional Rent. The DVs’ initial Notional Rent figure was £17,280, following GP Surveyors’ successful negotiations the practices Notional Rent was raised to £30,800.

“Surgeries should challenge their valuation as they are entitled to this money”

Dr. McKay, Ardmore Medical Practice

Dr. John McKay from the Practice explains; “We first became aware of GP Surveyors after they sent us information about their services. After consideration, we decided to proceed as we couldn’t lose as there was no cost to the practice. The increase we received means we are financially better off and can invest the additional money into the practice”.

GP Surveyors Paul Colan explains; “This property has been converted from an office into a surgery. The building is located on the edge of Dungannon along the busy Thomas Street. It is a good quality property which is more akin to a purpose-built surgery.”

He continues; “Having inspected the property and all of the comparable surgeries in the local area it was clear to me that the Cost Rent was below the market rent for the property. Having given the DV our assessment of the Notional Rent it took sustained pressure for a revised offer to come through which was finally acceptable.”

Dr. McKay concludes; “Surgeries should challenge their valuation as they are entitled to this money. GP Surveyors have bought a professional and knowledge-based approach to GP rent reviews – we could not have done this alone.”

 

GP Surveyors hope you have found our Ardmore Medical Practice case study to be a useful resource – see our most recent case studies here.