From our Marketing Executive

James, Senior Leasehold Surveyor, Shortlisted for Valuer of the Year 2025
Exciting news at Watsons Property Group
We’re delighted to share James Laughlin LLB (Hons), PGDip, AssocRICS, our Senior Leasehold Surveyor & Registered Valuer, has been shortlisted for Valuer of the Year 2025, at News on the Block’s The Apartment Adviser Awards.
At the heart of Watsons is a dedicated team of professionals committed to delivering excellence in property services. From expert Chartered Surveyors and Registered Valuers to Property Managers and finance professionals, every member plays a vital role in ensuring a seamless experience. We pride ourselves on the expertise and dedication of our team, and this recognition is a well-deserved spotlight on James’ outstanding contribution to both our business and the wider property sector over the last decade.
Formerly known as the Enfranchisement & Right to Manage Awards (ERMAs), The Apartment Adviser Awards is a celebration of the latest developments and leading talent in the leasehold property sector – celebrating excellence, innovation, and outstanding contributions within enfranchisement, right to manage, and more. We’re incredibly proud to see James’ exceptional efforts recognised amongst such fantastic industry peers.
Having recently been named Lettings Agency of the Year 2024, and shortlisted for Managing Agent of the Year 2025, we cannot wait to see what is next for Team Watsons in 2025.
A leader in leasehold valuation
Over the past 12 months, James has made a significant impact in his role, combining technical excellence with a passion for education and thought leadership. From leading internal training sessions for our nationwide surveyor network to advising solicitors across the UK, James has played a pivotal role in demystifying complex leasehold issues – particularly around the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024.
His expertise in enfranchisement valuation has directly benefited our clients, many of whom have secured considerable savings thanks to James’ deep understanding of the property sector and ongoing developments impacting valuation. Whether delivering the latest insights at Watsons’ Annual Surveyors Conference or supporting a leaseholder through a challenging negotiation, James approaches every case with expertise, support, and confidence.
This nomination is a testament to his commitment to excellence in client communications, service, and quality of service. In every case, James focuses on simplifying complex leasehold matters and delivering clear, tailored advice.
Our commitment to excellence for leaseholders and solicitors
James’ award recognition is just one example of our commitment to delivering property services of the highest standards to the nation. From valuation to property management, we invest in industry accredited training and qualifications, the latest technology, and regularly review feedback from our clients to ensure every client receives a service that is prompt, reliable, and informed by leading industry expertise.
As national property specialists with over 130 years of property experience, our mission remains the same – to support our clients with honest advice, local knowledge, and professional insight you can trust.
Thank you
We’re very proud to see James regognised at national level, reflecting his remarkable efforts to our clients and the wider leasehold sector. We’d like to thank our clients, colleagues, and professional partners for the continued trust you place in Watsons. With your support, our professionals like James, can make a difference to the lives of leaseholders, solicitors, and more, across the nation.

Contact Our Team
Our property specialists are here to support you through enfranchisement valuations, ensuring ground rent is accurately valued, and you are best prepared for negotiations to pay an equitable price for your leasehold valuation.
Get in touch today to discover more about our award-winning services.
Leasehold and Valuation Specialists:
18 Meridian Way, Meridian Business Park, Norwich, NR7 0TA
📞 Phone: 01603 751577
📧 Email: survey@watsons-property.co.uk
