Trusted Partner for UK Property
— Backed by Investment and Legal Insight
About
Dan Cheng
International Property Lawyer / Consultant
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Business Development Manager, ZFL Surveyors Ltd
Former Registered Foreign Lawyer (RFL, 2024) – practising in London.
MSc in Real Estate (Merit), Henley Business School, University of Reading
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Lecturer in Real Estate and Taxation Law
Executive Director, Real Estate Investment Company
Registered Arbitrator and Civil Mediator
Excellence Achievement Award, Taipei Bar Association
Dan is an international real estate lawyer holding dual master’s degrees in Real Estate and Accounting, with over two decades of professional experience spanning property investment, cross-border transactions, project supervision, and dispute prevention. His track record ranges from national-scale developments to private residential projects.
As a Business Development Manager at ZFL Surveyors Ltd, a firm registered and regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Dan leads the company’s property and compliance operations in central London, delivering professional, efficient, and fully managed advisory services.
Combining expertise in property, finance, and compliance, he is dedicated to providing clients with a secure and trusted experience in every UK investment.
Services
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Property Transaction Representation
We provide comprehensive property advisory and representation services for both overseas and UK-based clients, covering property search, due diligence, valuation, document coordination, and completion support. Combining legal, financial, and surveying expertise, we help clients achieve secure and efficient transactions.
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Surveying, Valuation & Works Monitoring
Our team of RICS-registered surveyors specialises in Level 2 and Level 3 residential surveys, snagging, valuations, and works monitoring. We deliver independent, objective assessments on property condition, repair requirements, and market value to protect quality, manage risk, and safeguard your property investment.
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Relocation & Administrative Representation
We provide professional relocation and administrative representation for families and professionals settling in the UK. Our support encompasses housing arrangements, banking and healthcare registration, and acting as your authorised representative in a range of business and administrative matters.
Clarity, Independence, Precision
Impartial due diligence for confident investment choices.
What Sets Us Apart
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Cross-Border Specialists
Bridging Two Legal Systems with Certified International Experts
For overseas property investors, the key regulatory concerns typically centre on how to arrange domestic funds (for instance, through family gifts or nominee loans) and how to plan for cross-border taxation—including property tax, gift and inheritance tax, and overseas income tax.
ZFL brings together qualified professionals to deliver a truly one-stop advisory platform:
— Property Experts: RICS Chartered Surveyors (UK) and Licensed Real Estate Brokers (Taiwan)
— Legal Compliance: Solicitors(UK), and qualified lawyers in Taiwan and Hong Kong
— Finance & Tax Advisory: Chartered Accountants in both the UK and Taiwan -
First-Viewing Surveyors
The Crucial First Step for Overseas Buyers
In the UK, the buying process typically follows this sequence: viewing, making an offer, offer accepted, then appointing solicitors and surveyors. This structure often means that price negotiations take place before the buyer fully understands the property’s condition. According to statistics, around one-third of agreed transactions collapse mid-process, resulting in considerable time and financial loss.
To reduce risks, we arrange for a RICS Surveyor to lead each first viewing, identifying issues often missed by agents—such as foundation movement, structural defects, or major repair needs—so unsuitable properties can be quickly ruled out, saving clients time and resources for homes that genuinely meet their needs.
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Full Property Reports
Location analysis is widely seen as the key to sound property decisions
As the real estate saying goes: “Location, Location, Location.”
A property’s setting strongly shapes comfort, schooling options, and long-term value growth.ZFL’s reports use both broad and local views, covering key but often-missed factors such as:
— How does the local council’s financial health affect property prices and upkeep?
— Schools: What are the shares of non-native English speakers and pupils on free meals?
— People: What are the area’s average education levels, incomes, main jobs, deprivation score, and health rates?
— Is the property in a high-risk radon area that could affect health or value?
Why You Need Buyer Representation ?
1. Is Buying a Home More Complicated Than You Thought?
In the UK, buying a property may look simple on the surface — viewing homes, making an offer, and instructing a solicitor. In reality, it involves far more: area safety, taxation, school considerations, the financial health of the local council, contract documents, building condition, mortgage issues, and extensive coordination across multiple parties.
Most buyers make high-value, irreversible decisions long before they fully understand the risks they are facing.
2. The Reality: The Seller’s Agent Does Not Represent You
Under the basic structure of the UK property market:
• Estate agents legally represent the seller.
• Their primary duty is to secure the highest price and best terms for the seller.
• They typically will not volunteer information about defects, negotiation limits, or better alternatives elsewhere.
This means that in a major financial transaction, you are the only party without a professional on your side.
3. Why Buyers Need Professional Buyer Representation
✅ Fair, Independent, and Conflict-Free Representation
RICS clearly states that acting for both the buyer and the seller constitutes a conflict of interest.
Having your own representative ensures you are never placed in a position of information disadvantage.
✅ More Comprehensive Risk Identification
• Structural red-flags assessed from the very first viewing (RICS surveyor insight)
• Environmental and health-related risks (carcinogenic exposure? healthcare accessibility?)
• Local demographics, income levels, and education profile
• Financial stability of the local council
• Cross-border legal specialists liaising with UK solicitors
• Cross-border tax consultation for international buyers
These are not matters the seller’s agent will check on your behalf.
✅ Stronger Price Negotiation and Deal Terms
With a professional team representing you, the seller’s agent cannot pressure you into an uneven negotiation. The transaction returns to a fair and balanced position.
4. What Our Buyer Representation Provides
(1) Property Search and Area Recommendations
A balanced assessment that considers convenience of living, safety, schools, transport links, demographics, and long-term growth potential.
(2) Structural Risk Pre-Screening from a Surveyor’s Perspective
Identifying common issues such as damp, roof defects, movement, and poor maintenance.
(3) Coordination of Legal Documents and Transaction Workflow
Representing you in communications with solicitors, surveyors, and lenders to prevent delays or missed steps.
(4) Negotiation Strategy and Deal Terms
Strategies grounded in market evidence and defect analysis, not guesswork or emotion.
(5) Remote Support for Overseas Clients
Video viewings, detailed reports, progress tracking, bilingual explanations, and guidance on fund compliance.
5. Why Choose Us
✅ RICS-Accredited Education and Qualifications
We provide surveyor-level analysis of regional and property-specific risks.
✅ International Legal Expertise
We understand contractual language, identify legal risks, and work seamlessly with UK solicitors.
✅ Cross-Border Funding and Compliance Knowledge
A clear understanding of overseas buyers’ challenges, including proof of funds, remittance issues, and family-fund arrangements.
✅ In-Depth Due Diligence Capability
Comprehensive area analysis covering income and education indicators, council financial health, environmental risks, and checks for potential nuisance factors.
More than “viewing on your behalf” — independent professional insight.
With genuine Buyer Representation, your property decisions become safer, clearer, and more reliable.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
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Value
We Care
Every cross-border property journey carries more than numbers and contracts —
it may mark a new chapter of personal growth,
a family’s adventure into the unknown,
or the quiet continuation of a cherished legacy.
Within each story lie hopes, responsibilities, and dreams
that only those who live them can truly understand.
That is why we listen deeply, care genuinely, and serve with heart.
Because to you, it is never just a transaction —
it is a promise — to family, to heritage, and to the future.
And when you walk that path with quiet determination,
we walk beside you —
Because we care.
Contact
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