Business Details
Expert Property Surveys & Valuations in Sevenoaks
Established in 1887, we are an independent family firm of Chartered Surveyors with a rich heritage in property expertise. Our team combines over 130 years of local experience in Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells, and West Kent with modern professional standards. As RICS-regulated experts, we specialise in residential and commercial surveys, valuations, and property management tailored to individual client needs. Our approach prioritises long-term relationships over short-term gains, ensuring properties are maintained to high standards with minimal void periods. We handle everything from pre-purchase surveys to complex party wall matters, supported by a dedicated team of chartered professionals.Our portfolio management services focus on maximising yields through strategic tenant retention rather than high turnover. With offices in Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells, we serve both private and corporate clients across West Kent, East Surrey, and East Sussex. Our commitment to integrity and professional competence has built lasting trust with discerning clients since Victorian times. We combine traditional values with contemporary expertise to deliver impartial, client-focused property solutions. Our team's diverse experience spans residential, commercial, and development projects, ensuring comprehensive support for all property matters.
Services
Level 1 Survey
Level 2 Survey
Level 3 Survey
Commercial Valuations
Residential Valuations
Property Management
Party Wall Advice
Land Development Consultancy
Energy Performance Certificates
Post-Survey Support
Highlights and features
- Over 130 years of local property expertise since 1887
- RICS-regulated chartered surveyors with specialist accreditations
- Family-owned firm prioritising long-term client relationships
- Comprehensive services from surveys to property management
- Proven track record in complex party wall and development matters
Associations and certifications
- Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
What people say
Delighted with service
Saved stress and delays
Excellent service
Extra mile
No hesitation in recommending
Services
Level 3 Building Survey
Comprehensive property inspection for older or period buildings requiring detailed analysis. Our RICS-registered surveyors identify structural defects, repair costs, and maintenance recommendations. Ideal for properties undergoing significant alterations or where major issues are suspected.
Commercial Property Valuation
Accurate RICS-compliant valuations for commercial properties including offices, retail units, and industrial premises. Services cover lease renewals, rent reviews, and investment appraisals with detailed market analysis and statutory compliance checks.
Party Wall Advice
Specialist party wall surveying services for building owners and tenants. We prepare schedules of condition, resolve disputes, and ensure compliance with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 through impartial assessments and legally sound documentation.
Property Management
Full-cycle property management for residential and commercial portfolios. Includes tenant liaison, maintenance coordination, rent collection, service charge management, and emergency response services tailored to individual client requirements.
Land Development Consultancy
Expert guidance on land acquisition, planning permissions, and development viability. Our consultants assess potential sites for residential or commercial use, providing strategic advice on maximising property value through development opportunities.
People
Ed Treliving
Director & Chartered Surveyor
Former British Army officer with engineering and real estate qualifications. Specialises in residential surveys, party wall matters, and portfolio management. Leads the business with over 8 years' experience at Sheffords Chartered Surveyors Chartered Surveyors.
Jeremy Smith
Consultant Surveyor
Over 40 years' local surveying experience. RICS Fellow specialising in valuations and general practice. Provides expertise across multiple property sectors while maintaining focus on traditional surveying principles.
Louisa Carter
Consultant Surveyor
SAVA-trained residential surveyor with 15 years' property experience. Specialises in valuations, party wall surveying, and client advisory services. Combines London and Sevenoaks expertise for comprehensive property solutions.
David Williams
Commercial Surveyor
Chartered commercial property specialist with extensive valuation and landlord-tenant expertise. Advises on lease renewals, rent reviews, and commercial property management strategies across business premises.
Karen Mitchell
Residential Projects Surveyor
30-year MRICS surveyor with London and Sevenoaks experience. Focuses on residential development projects and client support through complex property transactions and renovation processes.
Questions
What's the difference between Level 2 and Level 3 surveys?
Level 2 suits modern properties in reasonable condition, while Level 3 provides detailed structural analysis for older properties or major renovation projects.
Do you offer party wall surveying services?
Yes, we provide impartial party wall services including schedules of condition, dispute resolution, and Act 1996 compliance for both building owners and tenants.
How does your property management approach differ?
We prioritise long-term tenant relationships and property preservation over high turnover, combining chartered surveyor expertise with hands-on problem-solving for maximum yield.
Can you assist with land development opportunities?
Our consultants provide strategic advice on land acquisition, planning permissions, and development viability assessments for residential and commercial projects.
Are your valuations RICS-compliant?
All valuations follow RICS standards with registered valuers providing accurate assessments for residential, commercial, and investment properties across Kent.
Do you operate outside West Kent?
We cover East Surrey and East Sussex in addition to West Kent, with offices in Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells serving clients across the South East region.
Reviews (6)
Julie Wells
Dec 02, 2021
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Thank you Jeremy for a first class service and for helping me with two property surveys. I could not have chosen better. Kind regards Julie Wells
Andy P.
Mar 30, 2021
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Ed was extremely helpful, knowledgeable and professional. He helped us resolve an issue with a difficult neighbour - I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him or Shefford's and will definitely use them in the future if we have the requirement.
Jasper Kolb
Jun 22, 2020
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I was struck with Jeremy's knowledge and efficiency from the very first phone call. His competence was clearly evident from that first conversation (without patronising or confusing me) in addition to encyclopedic local knowledge. His return phone call really did only take five minutes to receive and similarly he set up the survey with the estate agents very swiftly despite the logistics of lockdown. On top of that, there was no hard sell and my options were laid out clearly. I would be more than happy to use Sheffords if I ever have to move house again.
David Meads
Dec 21, 2019
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We had a level 3 building survey done by Sheffords before a property purchase. Ed and everyone we encountered while dealing with Sheffords were lovely and provided a really good service. The survey was completed and received within a week and we were able to discuss findings verbally after reading the report. Ed was even happy to discuss some follow up works we had done by a contractor 6 months after taking ownership of the property. Would highly recommend Sheffords services.
Danny Doyle
Nov 04, 2019
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Fantastic service! Called Sheffords after the previous surveyors I instructed were slow and uninterested. Sheffords answered my initial enquiry within minutes and delivered a full property survey within a week which helped our purchase move quickly, highly recommended!
Nick R.
May 18, 2019
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Ed and the team carried out a buildings survey for me and I was very pleased with the service. From the outset, Ed explained the types of surveys clearly. The survey was carried out immediately and the report produced very quickly. I was pleased with the level of detail in the report and find it very helpful. Ed was also great at answering questions on the report and recommending contractors. I would recommend.
