Philip Proctor has for many years, worked with Doctors through the Cost Rent Scheme which has enabled groups of doctors to obtain practice premises at little cost to themselves.

However, in many cases the desire to build economically within cost limits has led to high maintenance bills and situations where there are difficulties attracting young doctors to take on the financial burden of practice premises. This has led to disputes between valuer's and a souring of relations when a senior partner retires.

As a result of the shortage of funds, escalating property prices, interest rate fluctuations, early repayment penalties, negative equity to mention just a few of the problems of passing on the buildings to new partners, the concept of leasehold premises is now well entrenched. Be under no illusion PCT revenue funding is still in short supply.

The essence of the leasehold scheme is that a developer investor such as, Charles Higgins Partnership, can provide surgery premises at a remarkably low cost to the practice.

For those Doctors who have capital value in a practice we can discuss ways this can be released most advantageously. This could be through the redevelopment of an existing site or assisting in the sale process with appointment of suitable agents. We have had discussions with other practices where other property investments could be developed which are individual to each member and thus not terminated on the retirement of the Doctor or could be sold at any point to raise capital.