Meet Team Watsons: James Laughlin, Regional Area Surveyor

Meet Team Watsons: James Laughlin, Valuation and Surveys. A headshot of James, with a gallery of other Watsons memories in the background.

Written by Aimée Rumsby – Marketing Executive at Watsons Property

Taking you behind the scenes of careers at Watsons

Watsons Property Group Limited

At Watsons, our talented employees’ skills, extensive knowledge, and unwavering commitment enable us to lead the nation in property-related services. We’re incredibly proud to house some of the best talent in the industry, allowing us to provide a wide range of services, including surveys, valuations, lettings, estate agency, and block and estate management, to clients across England. 

We’re thrilled to be introducing you to our incredible cohort of talent and taking you behind the scenes of life at Watsons with our new ‘Meet Team Watsons’ series. This month, we’re getting to know James Laughlin LLB (Hons), PGDip, AssocRICS, our Regional Area Surveyor, specialising in leasehold valuations. With almost a decade spent with us at Watsons, James plays a key role in our Valuation & Survey team, having transformed our enfranchisement expertise to offer enfranchisement valuations across England and Wales.  

Let’s explore James’s career journey, knowledge, and advice for those interested in the ever-evolving property landscape. 

A specialist role in enfranchisement valuations 

As a Regional Area Surveyor, James’ role allows him to work as a general surveyor, doing everything from pre-purchase surveys to providing valuations of such esoteric buildings as churches. Amongst this, James specialises in enfranchisement survey – the valuation of the cost of either extending the lease or purchasing the freehold of a leasehold property.

“Enfranchisement is a fast-moving and complex field, requiring a sound knowledge of the valuation principles, as well as the legal framework and case law that underpins it all. With the Government’s current focus on reforming enfranchisement valuation, I must keep up-to-date with all the latest developments, to continue providing robust valuations and sound advice to my clients” James comments.

Starting a property career journey at Watsons 

James’ journey into surveying started nearly eight years ago when he joined Watsons’ Process Audit and Compliance team. In this role, he conducted research and proofread survey reports – an ideal introduction to the world of surveying.

“Having never worked in property before, I found the role and the concept of surveying fascinating, and very quickly knew that this was a career I wanted to pursue,” James recalls. “Watsons agreed to take me on as a Trainee, and I’ve not looked back from there”.

After gaining experience, James found his niche in enfranchisement in valuation, working to expand Watsons’ presence within the enfranchisement sector. Today, Watsons offers enfranchisement valuations in all locations throughout England and Wales.

James, a member of Team Watsons, surveying a barn conversion. Pictured using a drone and checking a boiler cupboard.

The best parts of the role

When asked what his favourite part of his role at Watsons is, James responded:

“It’s the old cliché, I know, but it’s the fact that no two days are the same.”

“I’m privileged to get to inspect all manner of properties, from simple post-war prefabs to grand Georgian mansions, I also get to meet fascinating people, all with their own stories to tell,” James continues.

When considering enfranchisement, James adds “one of my favourite aspects of the role is knowing that I am able to use my expertise to simplify for my clients what is often a complex and impenetrable field of valuation, whilst knowing that I can put my skills and experience to good use in achieving for them the best possible outcome.”

Advice for aspiring valuation professionals

For those interested in careers in valuation, or considering specialising in enfranchisement, James advises: 

“To be successful you need to have a keen eye for detail, an enquiring mindset, and a strong conviction in your own beliefs whilst being able and willing to listen to and consider the thoughts and opinions of others – the key to reaching the best outcomes in enfranchisement cases is the ability to negotiate effectively with the other side’s own valuer.” 

“It’s an incredibly broad field with so much to learn, and the learning never stops.  Likewise, there will always be someone out there who knows more than you, so never be afraid to ask questions, and never be too proud to take on board the knowledge and experience of your fellow professionals.” 

Memorable moments and achievements at Watsons

We’re incredibly proud of all that James has achieved and continues to work towards, following a successful 8 years on the Watsons team. James shares his personal stand out memory: 

“What makes enfranchisement valuation stand out from other areas of valuation is its unique blend of valuation and law, in particular when a case is placed before a Tribunal.” 

“I have been fortunate enough to be asked by multiple clients to represent them before a Tribunal as an Expert Witness, which is about as ringing an endorsement of one’s expertise in a field as a professional can receive.” 

“Tribunal appearances are always a little bit daunting, but none will ever match up to your first – nothing can ever prepare you for the forensic grilling that you can face at the hands of a highly-experienced barrister! Whilst it may not have been the most pleasant of experiences whilst it was happening, the positive outcome obtained for my client will ensure that it will always remain a positive memory!” 

Exciting developments in the leasehold industry

When asked if there are any recent industry developments that excite him, James shared his thoughts on the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024, which is set to radically change the leasehold landscape: 

“The Government has committed to making it easier and cheaper for leaseholders to extend their leases or purchase their freeholds, and we are starting to see the first fruits of these promises, with the Government removing the two-year qualifying period before a leaseholder can exercise their right to enfranchise this month.” 

“Some of the proposed reforms are set to be highly controversial, and it is likely that there will be lengthy legal challenges before we find out whether the entire package of proposed reforms will become law, or not.  Either way, the next few years are set to be an exciting time, full of potential upheaval and, hopefully, with the result that the balance is tipped a little more in the leaseholder’s favour,” James concludes. 

A dream life in the North East

When asked where he would choose to own property in the UK without limits, James is torn between the coastal comforts of Norfolk and the breathtaking landscapes of the North East region: 

“It’s incredibly tempting to play it safe and stick with Norfolk – if I didn’t like living here, why would I still be here, right?  We have some amazingly beautiful countryside and coastlines, and Norwich is, as the signs say, A Fine City.” 

“On the other hand, I love driving the length and breadth of the country for both work and leisure, and particularly enjoy my time spent in the North East – places such as Yorkshire, County Durham, and Northumberland.  They have something that we famously lack in Norfolk – HILLS! There’s an awe-inspiring sense of beauty and power that you get from a rugged hilly and rocky landscape that just can’t be matched by the flat vistas found in East Anglia.” 

“Having recently visited Saltburn by the Sea, I found myself enchanted by the beauty of the town, its coastal location, and the surrounding landscape and, although it’s a little too far from my beloved Ipswich Town FC for my liking, perhaps I wouldn’t mind retiring up there when I’m old and grey, and my knees are a little bit too creaky for going up and down ladders!” 

Admiring Brutalism, the divisive design movement

When asked for his favorite iconic property, James’ pick is The Barbican Estate in London, as a fan of brutalist architecture and social housing. “Whenever I find myself with time to kill in London, I always enjoy a stroll around The Barbican and can always find a new and interesting aspect of the complex that I’ve not noticed before. One of my favourite aspects of the centre’s design is the retro-futuristic interiors of the Arts Centre which, although over fifty years old, now exude a certain timeless elegance.”

Images of Ipswich train station, Saltburn-On-Sea's coastline, and Brutalist icon The Barbican
Watsons Property Group Limited

Join Team Watsons 

At Watsons, we’re always on the lookout for driven and talented professionals who are passionate about property and dedicated to excellence, from valuations and surveys to customer service and marketing.  

With a career at Watsons, you’ll have the opportunity to work on diverse projects with some of the most talented people in our industry. We’re proud to offer a supportive work environment, professional development opportunities, and a culture that values your skills and ambitions. 

Contact our HR team today to discuss our vacancies and learn more about joining Team Watsons: 

📧 Email: hr@watsons-property.co.uk  

📞 Phone: 01603 75155

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PLEASE NOTE

Our Offices Will Be Closed Over the Festive Period From the 25th December 2024 - 2nd January 2025​

For out of hours contact/emergencies please see information below:

  • For Tenants/Landlords – Please call our main lettings number – 01603 751555 – and follow the instructions. These instructions will provide you with an out of hours contact number, plus the number of an emergency plumber.
  • For Leaseholders – Please call our main Block & Estate Management number – 01603 226500 – and follow the prompts. Listed are numbers for various contractors, depending on the type of emergency.

From all of us at Watsons, - Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!​