BIV Bowes Independent Surveyors

30/06/2026

46 years ago today a slightly diffident young school leaver walked into 1 Buckingham Palace Road for the second time to commence his career as a surveyor.
A somewhat different older man is still surveying offering the benefit of all those years “in the game” - 35 years this August on my own account.
Interestingly, my first boss, Captain Bernard Thorpe, was the same age as I am now…in 1959! He retired after his 87th birthday. I’ve no current plans to retire but I’ll probably go before then!
Meanwhile take advantage of my 46 years direct knowledge and 108 years secondhand experience! Find me here or on [email protected]. Thanks to all the clients who have put their trust in me!

15/06/2026

This is scary. In the “small print” - if assets fall in value after the asset has been taxed, there will be no refund. It will potentially ruin many investors, the people willing to take risks to make things happen. I hope Rachel Reeves never considers this (though I suspect she’s already considering it as another nail for the British economy)

🚨BREAKING: The Netherlands’ parliament has approved a 36% tax on unrealized capital gains, effective from 2028.

Under the new measure, investors will be taxed on the increase in value of assets such as stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies, even if no assets have been sold and no cash has been realized.

Despite a petition signed by 61,000 citizens opposing the proposal, parliament proceeded with its approval.
If taxpayers lack sufficient liquid funds to cover the tax liability, or if asset values subsequently decline after payment, the government assumes no responsibility for these challenges.

This policy represents more than conventional taxation. It effectively treats paper gains as taxable income before any actual realization has occurred.

Many of the Netherlands’ most skilled investors are already considering relocation. Capital naturally flows to jurisdictions that offer more favourable treatment.

2028 is approaching.

Plan accordingly.

28/05/2026

28/05/2026

Looking for 2-3 bedroom house or bungalow for a professional tenant, close to city centre and north of the river. Anyone? Up to £1200/month

26/05/2026

Leasehold itself isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially relating to flats and apartments. But when I started my property career (46 years ago) it wasn’t being abused the way it is by snakes like this

12/03/2026

Anyone looking for a week’s office work? Decent audio typing essential and a friendly manner on the phone. 10-5 Monday 16th. NLW paid - please message me - Philip Bowe

24/12/2025

Are all or indeed any of my friends prepared for Christmas? I mucked up on cards (work took precedence) but I have my traditional duck in, to go with sprouts and chestnuts, carrot, broccoli, parsnip and roast potatoes.

As we all tuck into whatever festive food we have, I hope we'll all remember those less fortunate. If you can give anything back, please do. And remember Christmas is a hard time for many; I lost my parents on 19th December (2014) and 27th December (1986) - others will have had the same experience more recently and it will be raw.

But please friends - do what you can to have a Merry Christmas whoever you're sharing it with. Much love to all!