6 May 2026
SHW - Pre-Acquisition at Lymington
Building Consultancy
As part of its ongoing growth strategy, our client—a renowned dentistry group—continues to broaden its portfolio of surgeries across the UK. Each acquisition necessitates comprehensive pre-acquisition guidance to ensure that prospective sites are appropriate, compliant with regulations, and commercially viable. In this case, the client was evaluating the purchase of a dental surgery in Lymington and requested a detailed assessment of the property’s condition prior to making a decision.
Our Instruction
SHW was engaged to provide pre-acquisition building surveying services for the planned dental surgery. The scope of work comprised:
Pre-Acquisition Survey — Assessing the overall condition of the unit and identifying any minor or major defects that may affect its value, functionality, or projected expenditure.
Schedule of Condition — Recording the premises’ state at the time of acquisition to safeguard the client against future dilapidation liabilities.
Floor Plan Drawings — Preparing accurate plans to facilitate the client’s understanding of the current layout and assist with future operational planning.
Our Approach
SHW undertook a comprehensive assessment of the property, placing emphasis on the building's structure, observable services during the site visit, and areas identified as posing immediate or long-term risk. The inspection results were systematically prioritised within the report, allowing the client to distinguish between critical concerns, anticipated maintenance needs, and aspects suitable for negotiation prior to acquisition. The Schedule of Condition was presented in a clear, photographic format intended to offer substantial evidentiary support following the transfer of ownership.
Outcome
Our guidance enabled the client to:
-
Obtain a thorough and informed assessment of the dental surgery’s status prior to acquisition.
-
Recognise both minor and significant defects before finalising their commitment, thereby mitigating unforeseen post-acquisition expenses.
-
Achieve protection against future dilapidation claims through an extensive Schedule of Condition.
The pre-acquisition survey provided the client with assurance to advance with the transaction, ensuring comprehensive awareness of liabilities and investment risks from the outset.
