About Us

Careers

Conduct Level 2 (Homebuyer Reports), Level 2 (Plus Valuations), and Level 3 (Building Surveys) on residential properties across London and surrounding counties.
  • Provide property valuations and reinstatement valuations, delivering detailed, high-quality reports that identify defects and recommend repairs or maintenance.
  • Communicate findings to clients in a clear, professional manner and offer expert advice throughout the survey process.
  • Ensure all work is completed in line with RICS standards and Nicholas & Co.’s quality guidelines.
  • Manage your workload effectively to meet deadlines while maintaining high service standards.
  • Stay up-to-date with relevant property market trends, regulations, and best practices in building surveying.
  • What We’re Looking For:

    • MRICS, FRICS, or AssocRICS qualified (or working towards full RICS membership).
    • Registered Valuer (VRS) status is preferred (or eligible for VRS)
    • Experience in Level 2/3 surveys and residential building surveying, with strong knowledge of building pathology, property defects and valuation processes.
    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to deliver clear and actionable advice to clients.
    • A positive, ‘can-do’ attitude: The role is fast-paced and varied, ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment.
    • Excellent time management skills: Delivering exceptional service efficiently ensures a great work-life balance.
    • An eagerness to please our clients: We are passionate about meeting deadlines, going the extra mile, and building strong relationships with our clients.
    • Strong organisational skills and the ability to independently manage multiple projects.
    • A full UK driving license and willingness to travel within London and surrounding counties.

    What’s On Offer:

    • Competitive salary between £35,000 - £50,000 DOE, plus a £3,500 car allowance.
    • Paid CPD (Continuing Professional Development) to support career growth.
    • Fuel card to assist with travel expenses.
    • Flexible working arrangements, including remote options, to suit your lifestyle.
    • A strong focus on work-life balance, allowing you to adjust your schedule as needed.
    • 25 days of holiday PLUS bank holidays.
    • Health insurance and additional lifestyle benefits.
    • A supportive team environment where your expertise is highly valued.
    • Exposure to diverse residential properties, from modern builds to historic homes.

     

    How to Apply:

    If you are a qualified Residential Building Surveyor (MRICS/FRICS/AssocRICS) with experience in Level 2 and Level 3 surveys and are looking for a flexible and rewarding role in a supportive and dynamic company, we would love to hear from you. 

    If you are a problem solver, thrive on a challenge, and would like to join our team as a Residential Surveyor, please click 'Apply' now. Alternatively, send your CV detailing your qualifications and experience to Nicholas & Co. Surveyors to erika@nicholassurveyors.com

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    News & Insights

    Retail Insights Q4 2023 – Q1 2024 London

    Published: 15/01/2024

    Author: Nicholas Zorpides

    London's retail sector is experiencing challenges as it enters 2024. The net absorption of retail space has turned negative in the past year, reversing the positive trend seen in the preceding year, with more retail space being released onto the market than leased. The final quarter of 2023 marked London's weakest period for retail take-up since the height of the pandemic in Q2 2020. Consequently, London's retail vacancy rate has increased slightly, although it remains lower than the national average.

    While footfall has improved over the past year due to the return of office workers and international shoppers, pedestrian traffic in the West End is still around 15% below pre-pandemic levels. The removal of tax-free shopping for international tourists has redirected significant luxury spending to cities like Paris and Milan. Additionally, rising costs and reduced disposable incomes are impacting retailer profit margins, particularly in prime locations. Retail demand in London is expected to remain subdued in the near future.

    However, certain segments of the market are faring relatively well. Bond Street has seen the introduction of numerous luxury retailers over the past year, and significant openings by major brands like Pandora and HMV are revitalizing Oxford Street, aided by the improved connectivity brought by Elizabeth line services. Prime rents on these streets have seen modest increases in recent quarters after experiencing significant declines during the pandemic. Affluent residential areas like King's Road in Chelsea continue to perform strongly.

    Retail parks outside central London are showing strength, with vacancy rates reaching a four-year low by the end of 2023. The limited construction of new retail space in the coming years is expected to provide some support to the vacancy rate. The trend of repurposing retail space for other uses is also likely to accelerate, with several department stores on Oxford Street undergoing partial conversions into co-working spaces.

    The investment market in London's retail sector remains subdued, with annual volumes of £1.7 billion falling comfortably below the 10-year average of £3.2 billion. The modest recovery seen in trading early last year weakened as interest rates rose and consumer spending softened. Pricing has adjusted accordingly, although the sale of a property on Bond Street at a 2.6% yield last year demonstrates the resilience of prime locations. Supermarkets in outer London continue to attract investor interest.

     
     

     

    London's retail investment has decelerated once again in recent months, following a strong start in 2023. Rolling annual volumes amounting to £1.7 billion are nearing a historical low, significantly below the 10-year average of £3.2 billion. Concerns have emerged regarding retail demand due to weak consumer spending and escalating business costs. Moreover, the rise in interest rates has dampened investor demand and led to a decline in pricing. While the market is expected to remain subdued in the short term, supermarkets in outer London are likely to maintain their appeal.

    Several significant transactions on Bond Street buoyed investment volumes in 2023. For instance, in February, Chanel sold 27 Old Bond Street, an office block housing the luxury fashion house and an Alexander McQueen retail showroom, to a private North American investor for £140 million at an attractive 2.6% yield. Subsequently, Kering sold 32-33 Old Bond Street to the Swatch Group in May at a slightly higher 3.2% yield. These deals highlight the stability of pricing on London's premier shopping street, often viewed as a safe haven for capital during uncertain times.

    Yields on Bond Street remain comparable to the 3% yield Reuben Brothers agreed to pay for the Emporio Armani store at 51-52 New Bond Street during the pandemic. However, they are unlikely to revert to the approximately 2% levels witnessed before the pandemic. Similarly, King's Road in Chelsea has shown resilience in pricing, with Cadogan Estates purchasing properties there at a keen 3.7% net initial yield.

    Despite fewer large sales in recent quarters, those that have concluded often involved sharp discounts to prior sale prices or had redevelopment potential. Notable examples include Lazari Investments' acquisition of the Fenwick department store on New Bond Street for £430 million, intended for mixed-use redevelopment. Additionally, Aviva's purchase of a 50% stake in the Bentall Centre in Kingston upon Thames at a valuation substantially lower than its 2015 sale price exemplifies this trend.

    Falling prices and relaxed planning regulations are anticipated to drive an increase in retail repositioning projects in the coming years. Prior to the market downturn, such deals were gaining momentum, with Amazon's acquisition of Pentavia Retail Park for urban logistics conversion and Rockwell and Cerberus' purchase of Hurlingham Retail Park for a mixed-use waterfront scheme being notable examples. Additionally, several shopping centres changed hands in residential-led redevelopment endeavours.

    If you’re interested in how Nicholas & Co. Surveyors can help you, please contact us today.

    Telephone: +44 203 633 5370 / +44 1992 939 201

    E-Mail: enquiry@nicholassurveyors.com

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