Expert Witness Surveyors in Cornwall
As independent Chartered Surveyors, RICS Registered Valuers and Property Consultants in Cornwall, Hocking Associates have the experience to assist with a range of expert witness reports.
Understanding the Role of an Expert Witness
An expert witness is a professional who provides specialist knowledge to assist the Court in understanding complex technical matters. In property disputes, expert witnesses and expert witness surveyors offer impartial, objective advice based on their expertise and experience in the field.
Our professional expert witness services benefit various parties involved in property-related disputes, including (but not limited to):
- Homeowners and property investors
- Legal professionals
- Insurance companies
- Financial institutions
- Local authorities
Residential property disputes, while unfortunate, do occur and often require the involvement of experienced property professionals, especially when litigation is involved. These property professionals should provide accurate advice concerning contentious valuations in relation to property disputes.
At Hocking Associates, we have the necessary expertise to offer our services as Chartered Surveyors preparing expert reports in relation to a range of disputes. This expertise extends to:
- Claims in respect of negligent residential surveys
- Claims in respect of negligent property valuations for lending purposes
- Negligence claims in respect of property conveyancing where values are adversely affected
- Property valuations in respect of matrimonial disputes
- Claims in respect of boundary disputes
- Litigation following building defects and dilapidations
RICS Expert Witness Reports
An expert witness produces an unbiased written report in compliance with relevant legislation and agreements, to help the Court in matters where specialist expertise, experience and knowledge are deemed necessary.
Reports concerning property management are required to be independent and objective and may be required for a Court, tribunal, arbitration, or alternative dispute resolution.
Ideally, expert surveyor reports should facilitate the legal process to assist the parties in reaching an agreement and settling a dispute, without warranting a formal hearing.
Qualifications and Responsibilities of a Property Expert Witness
To qualify as an expert witness in property matters, professionals need to:
- Be seen as independent, impartial, and unbiased
- Provide advice only where their expertise, knowledge and experience are required
- Hold a relevant RICS membership or other relevant qualification
- State the main facts and assumptions that their opinion is based on
- Include material facts that might be relevant to findings
At Hocking Associates, our expert witness surveyors:
- Assist in the interpretation of evidence
- Conduct thorough investigations and assessments
- Prepare detailed, unbiased reports
- Provide clear explanations of technical matters within their field of expertise
- Testify in Court when required
It’s important to note that an expert witness does not:
- Act as an advocate for either party
- Provide legal advice
- Make decisions on the case
As Chartered Surveyors, Hocking Associates are fully experienced in the preparation of expert witness reports which are Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) compliant.
We can be appointed either by one of the parties in the dispute or as a single joint expert witness surveyor, with our duties being to the Court.
We are happy to work closely with solicitors and regularly receive instructions for preliminary or full surveyor expert witness reports for a wide variety of circumstances.
Expert Witness FAQs
- How long does an expert witness report take?
The time required for an expert witness report can vary depending on the complexity of the case. Expert witness reports can take anywhere from a week to several months to complete. We always aim to deliver our reports as efficiently as possible without compromising on quality or thoroughness.
- How much do expert witness services cost?
Expert witness service prices depend on the nature and complexity of the property dispute case. Factors that influence costs include the level of expertise needed, the scope of work, and more. We always provide a detailed quote – at no charge – after an initial consultation, ensuring transparency in our pricing.
- What’s the difference between a professional witness and an expert witness?
A professional witness testifies about facts they have directly observed in their professional capacity. An expert witness, on the other hand, provides objective and impartial evidence based on their specialist knowledge and experience, even if they weren’t directly involved in the case.
- Do expert witnesses have to testify?
While expert witnesses can be called upon to testify in Court, it’s not always necessary. In many cases, the expert’s written report is sufficient. In those cases where Court attendance is required, we are happy to provide this and have the relevant experience to do so.
Contact
To enable us to evaluate your circumstances, please feel free to contact Hocking Associates here or call 01326 379222 for an initial no-obligation and confidential discussion.
