Our Story

A Firm of Building Surveyors in Crowborough

Crowborough Surveyor was founded with one simple goal: to give property buyers and owners in the local area access to the same high-calibre, independent surveying advice that was previously only available to larger developers and institutional clients.

We are a firm of independent building surveyors based in Crowborough, East Sussex. Our team specialises in building and property surveying services for residential and commercial clients across East Sussex, Kent and Surrey.

What makes us genuinely different is our extensive knowledge of Crowborough and the surrounding High Weald area. We know the local property stock intimately — from Victorian townhouses in the town centre to the timber-framed Wealden farmhouses dotted across the surrounding countryside. That local expertise means we spot things that other surveyors might miss.

          Our mission: To give every client — whether they are a first-time buyer or an experienced developer — the clear, honest, expert advice they need to make confident decisions about property.
        

Crowborough Surveyor team members reviewing a building survey report with clients

The Team

Meet Your Crowborough Surveyors

Every survey we carry out is led by a senior member of our team — you will always know who is handling your case and how to reach them.

James Hartwell

Director & Senior Surveyor

James founded Crowborough Surveyor after spending over a decade with a national practice. A lifelong East Sussex resident, he has an encyclopaedic knowledge of local property — from Victorian villas to Wealden ironstone cottages. He has personally carried out several hundred Level 3 building surveys across the High Weald.

When he is not surveying, James is usually walking the Weald with his Labrador or watching Crowborough Athletic on a Saturday afternoon.

Sarah Pemberton

Senior Surveyor & Valuer

Sarah leads our homebuyer report and valuation work and is one of the most thorough surveyors you will find anywhere in the South East. She has a particular passion for period properties and listed buildings — and a remarkable eye for hidden defects that less experienced surveyors often overlook.

Sarah is our go-to expert for probate valuations, Help to Buy redemptions and matrimonial valuations, and is one of our RICS Registered Valuers.

Robert Ashley

Senior Surveyor – Party Wall & Expert Witness

Robert is our party wall specialist and expert witness, with over 20 years of experience in construction and property disputes across East Sussex and Kent. He has acted in hundreds of party wall matters and has given expert evidence in property-related disputes at county court level.

Robert also leads our dilapidations and schedules of condition work, and is a familiar face to many commercial property owners and estate agents across the Weald.

What We Stand For

Our Values as Chartered Building Surveyors

Independence

We have no ties to estate agents, mortgage brokers or developers. Our advice is always impartial — our only interest is giving you the full picture.

Plain Speaking

We write our reports in plain English. No unnecessary jargon. No hedging. Just clear, honest information you can actually use to make decisions.

Local Expertise

Our extensive knowledge of Crowborough and the High Weald means we understand local building materials, soil conditions and common defects that a surveyor from outside the area might miss.

Client First

We are always available for follow-up questions after delivering a report. We believe a survey is the start of a professional relationship, not a transactional event.

Continuous Development

Every member of our team undertakes regular Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to stay current with building standards, legal changes and best practice.

Professional Accountability

All our work is backed by comprehensive professional indemnity insurance and is regulated by RICS. You are protected in the unlikely event something goes wrong.

Our History

Over 15 Years Serving Crowborough & the Surrounding Area

We have been part of the Crowborough community for well over a decade. Here is a quick look at our journey.

2009

Founded in Crowborough

James Hartwell establishes Crowborough Surveyor as a sole-practitioner firm, focusing initially on residential building surveys across East Sussex.

2013

Team Expansion

Sarah Pemberton joins, bringing with her specialist valuation expertise. The firm achieves RICS Regulated Firm status.

2016

Party Wall & Expert Witness

Robert Ashley joins as Senior Surveyor, expanding the firm's capabilities into party wall services, dilapidations and expert witness work.

2019

Commercial Services Launch

We formally expand into commercial property surveying, serving landlords, tenants and investors across East Sussex and Kent.

2023

500+ Surveys Milestone

We celebrate completing our 500th survey — a Level 3 building survey on a listed farmhouse in the High Weald. Still going strong.

Chartered building surveyor carrying out a detailed structural inspection of an East Sussex property

Accreditations

Our Professional Accreditations & Memberships

Our accreditations give you the assurance that you are working with properly qualified and regulated professionals — not just anyone with a clipboard.

RICS

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors

Our firm is RICS regulated and our surveyors hold RICS professional status. Our valuers are RICS Registered Valuers. RICS is the world's leading professional body for surveying.

CIOB

Chartered Institute of Building

CIOB accreditation recognises the highest levels of competence in building and construction. Our members hold CIOB membership, reflecting our expertise in building and property surveying.

RPSA

Residential Property Surveyors Association

RPSA membership demonstrates our commitment to the highest standards in residential property surveying, with a particular focus on client care and report quality.

Ready to Work With Your Local Crowborough Surveyor?

Whether you need a building survey, a homebuyer report or a party wall agreement, our friendly team is ready to help.

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About Crowborough Surveyor