CHARTERED surveyors Humberts have won a key appointment as an adviser to Dorset-based Raglan Housing Association.

The firm has been chosen as a valuer by Raglan, which owns and manages more than 10,000 homes, and is developing around 2,000 more at any one time.

Experts from Humberts will be advising on projects in Dorset, Hampshire, West Sussex, Surrey, Somerset, Wiltshire, and into Bristol, Bath and Avon.

Humberts associate director Simon Gardiner said: "It is quite a wide brief over quite a broad geographical area but this is where our national network of regional offices will come into play and we will be able to call on our local experts."

Humberts will act as advisers and formal valuers on emerging developments as well as Raglan's existing portfolio of affordable rented and shared ownership housing. Under the Housing Corporation's rules, these have to be assessed by an independent external valuer to establish rental values and capital values.

In addition, Raglan has a portfolio of private developments where it needs advice in terms of acquisitions and negotiations.

Raglan Housing Association is committed to "providing affordable housing in areas where it is needed most", focusing on building family housing to rent or buy.

It employs around 400 staff with its head office in Poole and a further six offices around the country.