Highlights - April 2025

12 May

During April 2025 we’ve been busy on a range of instructions, with a highlight being an RICS Home Survey Level 3 (Building Survey) of a detached house in Perry Green, just outside of Much Hadham, Hertfordshire. The property featured a large main house, which had been adapted over the years to convert a garage into habitable accommodation. Additionally, the fair-sized grounds included an garage/annexe and stable block.

Given the rural nature of the property, particular emphasis of the inspection was the oil tank and septic tank.

Oil tank:

In regard to the oil tank, OFTEC (Oil Firing Technical Association) sets safety and environmental standards for domestic oil tanks in the UK. Key requirements include:

Safe Distances: Tanks must be at least 1.8m from buildings, flues, and boundaries (or protected with a 30-minute fire barrier if closer).
Stable Base: Tanks should sit on a non-combustible base that extends 300mm beyond all sides.
Bunding: Required for tanks over 2,500 litres or near water sources and drains, to prevent leaks contaminating the environment.
Installation: Must comply with Building Regulations. Using an OFTEC-registered technician allows for self-certification and avoids council sign-off.
Maintenance: Annual inspections are recommended to check for damage or leaks.

For further details, please see the OFTEC website HERE.

Septic tank:

The General Binding Rules (GBRs) set out the legal requirements for small domestic sewage discharges in England and Wales. They apply to septic tanks and small treatment plants discharging to the ground or surface water.

No Direct Discharge to Surface Water: Since 1 January 2020, septic tanks can no longer discharge directly into ditches, streams or rivers. You must either upgrade to a sewage treatment plant or connect to a drainage field.
Drainage Fields: If discharging to the ground, the system must use a drainage field (not a soakaway pit or crate system), which spreads effluent safely into the soil.
Proper Maintenance: Tanks must be emptied regularly (typically once a year) and be in good condition to comply.
No Pollution: There must be no signs of pollution (e.g. smells, discoloured water, or sludge) in local watercourses or on land.
Permit-Free – If Rules Met: Most systems don’t need an Environment Agency permit if the GBRs are followed. But permits are required if discharging over set volume limits or to sensitive locations.

For full details, see the government guidance HERE.

Alongside this, the team have been completing a range of RICS Home Survey Level 2 (HomeBuyer Reports), RICS Home Survey Level 3 (Building Surveys). RICS Valuations (Help to Buy Redemption and Shared Ownership Stair casing) and Contract Administration Services across London, Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk.

Please contact us if you'd like to find out more or have any enquiries.