Charles hingston MRICS
HEAD OF BUILDING SURVEYING
Charles brings more than 25 years of experience in Building Surveying to his role as Head of Building Surveying at Terracotta. His depth of knowledge enables him to provide clients, both existing and new, with added value and confidence that they are receiving the best advice. Charles is also passionate about developing the next generation of surveyors, having already guided candidates through their final assessments to become Chartered Surveyors.
The majority of Charles's experience has been in the residential sector, spanning social housing repairs and maintenance, as well as asset management in the private property and investment world. His professional practice expertise includes Party Wall Matters, Contract Administration, Expert Witness work, and Building Safety Act matters. His particular passion, however, lies in Building Pathology: diagnosing defects and providing effective remediation solutions, ensuring residents are no longer left living with the symptoms of issues that have gone unresolved for years.
Charles is also excited by Terracotta's embrace of technology, which he sees as key to working more efficiently, advising clients more effectively, and delivering genuine value.
SPECIALISMS
TERRACOTTA’S INSIGHTS
Terracotta Property's Charlie Crocker joined Nina Young on the This is Surveying podcast, becoming the first valuer to feature on the show. They cover his route into valuation, running a firm, AI in surveying, and how Terracotta develops its graduates.
A matrimonial property valuation removes the guesswork by giving you a clear, evidence‑based number you can rely on. It is a formal valuation carried out by a RICS registered surveyor and is suitable for legal proceedings. By assessing comparable sales, market conditions and the property’s condition, it provides an accurate picture of what your home was worth at the time of separation, helping reduce disputes and support fair financial settlements.
Damp is one of the most frequent issues we uncover in London homes, and it is often the first concern raised when clients request a building survey. The challenge is that damp is not a single problem. Condensation, rising damp and penetrating damp each behave differently, and knowing which one you are dealing with can save you time, money and unnecessary repairs. This guide breaks down the key signs to look for, what you can do yourself and when it is time to bring in a qualified surveyor for a proper assessment.
Croydon is no longer just a commuter town. It is emerging as one of London’s most dynamic property markets, driven by regeneration, infrastructure upgrades and major development projects. For buyers, sellers and investors, understanding these changes is essential. At Terracotta Property, we have been working at the heart of this transformation, advising on valuations, asset disposals and development opportunities across the borough.
The coming months and years will provide the answers and the valuation landscape sits at an interesting crossroads. What makes the Renters’ Rights Bill so significant for valuers is not only the policy shift itself but the number of open questions it creates. This article discusses some of these questions.
Our work at Terracotta Property is deeply rooted in SE1: we don’t just operate here, we understand the area’s architectural quirks, planning sensitivities, and community dynamics because we’re part of it.
At the start of 2025, Croydon Council launched an ambitious three-year programme to review and dispose of their surplus property assets. Terracotta Property was brought in to assist on the project in partnership with Ambercycle Consulting. Our goal? To help the council unlock the hidden value in underused or vacant sites across the borough.
Terracotta’s Building Surveying team has recently completed a detailed survey and costings analysis of the Grade II listed Plumstead Power Station in southeast London.
Non-standard construction refers to any property built using methods or materials that fall outside the typical brick and tile construction used in most UK homes. While these properties may offer architectural interest or cost-effective solutions at the time of building, they can present serious challenges when it comes to securing a mortgage
The best-performing parades are evolving, replacing traditional shops with cafés, wellness spaces, and experiential services. The worst are still struggling, with empty units and little footfall.
In short, secondary retail in London isn’t booming, but it’s not dead. It’s going through a transition phase, and we expect the winners to be those who adapt fastest.
If you're planning to carry out building work on your property, especially near your neighbour’s property, you may need to consider the Party Wall Act 1996. This legislation protects both property owners by outlining procedures for when a Party Wall Agreement is necessary. Here’s a look at the most common questions property owners have about this Act and the importance of adhering to its rules.
If you're planning to carry out building work on your property, especially near your neighbour’s property, you may need to consider the Party Wall Act 1996. This legislation protects both property owners by outlining procedures for when a Party Wall Agreement is necessary. Here’s a look at the most common questions property owners have about this Act and the importance of adhering to its rules.
If you're planning to carry out building work on your property, especially near your neighbour’s property, you may need to consider the Party Wall Act 1996. This legislation protects both property owners by outlining procedures for when a Party Wall Agreement is necessary. Here’s a look at the most common questions property owners have about this Act and the importance of adhering to its rules.
After some extensive research, we have put together The Surveyor’s Guide to Eating on the Road. Our top 10 spots ensure no one is left in the field without a decent pit stop. The basic rules are; no chains, support the little guy and you need to be able to eat it on the move.
Terracotta, in collaboration with Ambercycle Consulting, is pleased to announce that we have been awarded a tender by Croydon Council for the disposal of select assets. This initiative supports the Council’s statutory obligations and aligns with its Medium Term Financial Strategy and Priorities.
If you're planning to carry out building work on your property, especially near your neighbour’s property, you may need to consider the Party Wall Act 1996. This legislation protects both property owners by outlining procedures for when a Party Wall Agreement is necessary. Here’s a look at the most common questions property owners have about this Act and the importance of adhering to its rules.
At Terracotta, we have long championed Croydon as one of London’s hottest investment zones and we believe 2025 is set to be a pivotal year for the borough’s real estate market.
“Having recently joined the Terracotta team, following a relocation from the east coast of Australia, adjustments are aplenty, from colder weather and (arguably) far better pubs.”
Hugh Innes MRICS remarks on the transition and some key differences with RICS Valuations between the two countries. Hugh is a welcomed addition to our valuations team bringing with him a wealth of experience across various sectors and geographical territories!
As the property market continues to evolve, the upcoming changes to the RICS Red Book, effective January 31, 2025, signal a significant shift in valuation practices.
When it comes to unique living spaces, warehouse and factory conversions stand out as some of the most distinctive and sought-after options on the property market.
Terracotta has produced a whitepaper that seeks to navigate the regulatory landscape and understand some of the key risks that impact the sector.
Over a fifth of the UK’s housing stock was built before 1919, some five million homes. While period properties have become one of the most desirable asset classes, the difference between traditionally constructed buildings and contemporary houses is often little understood.
Terracotta has successfully delivered investment strategy for a private client with a building in Chelsea.
After welcoming two new faces to the team in 2024, Terracotta have kick-started the New Year with a relocation.
Acting as Project Manager / Contract Administrator the Building Surveying team at Terracotta are delighted to have successfully completed the scheme which included the creation of a two-storey garden flat and the CAT A refurbishment of a ground floor retail unit.
Historically, assessing the condition of roofs, parapets, chimneys, and other high-level detailing could be fraught with uncertainty.
We’re thrilled to have recently welcomed Rob Marchant MRICS to the valuations team, who brings with him a wealth of knowledge in lease extension and enfranchisement work.
Last week Terracotta hosted a summer party at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London Bridge.
Terracotta have successfully delivered on a contract for the refurbishment and disposal of various units in a 1930s housing estate.