Three principles of GDPR / Data Protection Act 2018?
- Lawfulness, fairness, and transparency; 2. Purpose limitation (collected for specific reasons); 3. Data minimisation (only collect what is necessary).
What do the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) 2003 apply to?
They sit alongside GDPR and cover electronic marketing (emails/texts), cookies, and security of public electronic communication services.
What is copyright and can it be transferred?
A legal right protecting original work (e.g., plans or reports). It can be transferred or “assigned” via a written contract.
What is the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) 2000?
It provides public access to information held by public authorities, unless an exemption applies.
What is the Limitation Act 1980?
It sets time limits for bringing legal claims (e.g., 6 years for simple contracts, 12 years for deeds). This dictates how long files should be retained.
Limitations of primary vs. secondary data?
Primary (direct surveys) is accurate but expensive/slow. Secondary (HMLR, CoStar) is fast but may be outdated or lack specific detail.
Deed vs. Registered Title?
A Deed is a legal document used to transfer interest; a Registered Title is the official record held by HM Land Registry (Official Copy).
What is an Index Map?
An HMLR tool used to see if land is registered and to identify the title numbers affecting a specific geographic area.
Encryption vs. Firewall?
Encryption scrambles data so only authorized users can read it; a Firewall monitors/blocks unauthorized network traffic.
What is BIM and how is it used?
Building Information Modelling is a digital representation of a building’s physical and functional characteristics, used for design, construction, and facilities management.
What is an AVM?
Automated Valuation Model—software that uses mathematical modeling and databases (like Rightmove or Hometrack) to estimate property values.
What is ISO 9001?
The international standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS), ensuring consistent service and client satisfaction.
Electronic signatures at Land Registry?
Yes, HMLR now accepts “witnessed electronic signatures” and “Mercury” signatures for many property deeds.
How have you obtained data from in-house/published sources?
I accessed the firm’s internal comparable database for previous lease renewals in the same building and used CoStar and HM Land Registry for market evidence.
How have you used paper-based or electronic filing systems?
I maintained a digital project folder on our EDMS (e.g., SharePoint), ensuring all files followed the standard naming convention: YYYYMMDD_Client_Address_DocType.
How have you interpreted legal language in property records?
I reviewed an Official Copy of Register of Title to identify restrictive covenants and easements that could impact a Red Book valuation for a client.
How have you ensured good data security?
I ensure all client-sensitive reports are password-protected or shared via a secure data room (e.g., Intralinks) rather than standard email.
How have you searched for comparable evidence?
For a rent review, I used BCIS for rebuilding costs and searched local agent websites and Rightmove Plus to find settled deal evidence.
How have you used data searches for due diligence?
I performed Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks using platforms like SmartSearch before accepting a new instruction.
