Hi Adrian, thank you for sharing, this has been central to our conversations in the past when we have discussed opportunities and vetted potential sites. It gets to the point quickly which when you’re reviewing 100 sites a year is a fantastic tool!

Done, I’m a creature of habit and love a bit of research!

Thank you Adrian, it was really great to see you too. Glad the basement project has got people talking! Now I've actually been through it rather than just looking at spreadsheets, here are a few thoughts: For me, this wasn't simply a numbers game about cost per square foot versus building up or out. It was about creating space and quality of life that planning restrictions here in St Albans just wouldn't allow above ground. Going up or extending outward faces serious constraints, but going down gave us the freedom we needed to create a unique property with a much more diverse floor plan than traditional developments, with much added amenity. On the valuation question, yes, basement space often gets valued lower than above-ground rooms, especially if it's poorly executed or dark. But I think how you use it and the quality of design makes all the difference. There's a world of difference between a dingy storage area and a genuinely well-designed leisure or wellness space that transforms how you live in the house. The costs are substantial, no getting around that, and there are plenty of technical challenges and risks along the way. It only makes sense if you're clear about your reasons – whether that's lifestyle, planning to stay long-term, or creating something special in a premium location. It's not a get-rich-quick development play more of a differentiator. From the street the property presents as a classic Victorian home, yet beneath lies this remarkable additional living space. Would I do it again? Yes, in the right location and with the right team behind me. But it needs proper thought and is design led. Happy to chat more if anyone has questions, and thanks for the interest.