about us

a passion for property

The firm was established by Robert Horner in 1972 and has since evolved into a partnership of three Chartered Surveyors. Over the years, the practice has developed its expertise and expanded its services, continuing to provide professional advice to property owners and prospective purchasers across a broad range of sectors.

why us?

proud of our beginnings

The three partners Andrew Dewhurst, John Hession & James Harrington are Chartered Building Surveyors and have between 28 and 45 years experience respectively. They are assisted by experienced Surveyors and Property Managers and a dedicated and experienced admin team.

comprehensive support at every stage

From one-off surveys to long-term management, Congreve Horner provides a comprehensive range of services covering every stage of the property lifecycle. Whether you’re acquiring, developing, maintaining or managing, we offer joined-up advice and practical solutions tailored to your specific needs, all delivered with the consistency and care of a trusted, multi-disciplinary team.

precision-led, value-focused service

At Congreve Horner, every recommendation we make is rooted in careful analysis and a deep understanding of your objectives. We focus not only on technical accuracy, but on delivering practical, cost-conscious solutions that reflect your priorities. Whether managing budgets, coordinating works, or resolving complex issues, we approach every task with precision and an unwavering commitment to client outcomes.

the partners

Congreve Horner is led by a dedicated partnership of three experienced Chartered Surveyors, each bringing a wealth of knowledge across building surveying, property management and consultancy. Together, they uphold the firm’s long-standing reputation for technical excellence, personal service and trusted advice — ensuring every client benefits from direct, senior-level involvement at every stage.

James Harrington

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John Hession

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Andrew Dewhurst

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supporting our community

Congreve Horner are proud to sponsor grass roots sport in the local community encouraging children to be active and enjoying being part of a team.

We have sponsored in recent years Twickenham Saints U10’s Football Team and also Year 6 Margaret Roper RC School Football Team helping towards the cost of pitches, referees and new equipment.

Twickenham Saints recently managed to get into their first cup final and were only narrowly beaten 4 – 3 in extra time. Well done boys. COYS!

Andrew Dewhurst is the most thorough, professional and hard-working surveyor you will ever find.

Both very detailed and very clear and easy to understand. Could not recommend more highly, either for a standard survey, or for very complex issues. Exceptional.

Simon Parry, Google Review

Everyone at Congreve Horner was really nice and professional to deal with.

I mostly dealt with James, a really nice reasonable person who helped me get what I wanted from the extension. I am so glad he led me to a better redesign and extension. From beginning to end the project management was exceptional.
Siobhan Costello, Trustpilot

We appointed John as the Project Manager and Employers Agent for the extension and refurbishment works at our Listed Knightsbridge flat.

He had come highly recommended, by a close friend. John managed a large team of designers, contractors and specialists in addition to working with the Grosvenor Estate, in order to make sure that the works were completed on time and on budget. This also included dealing with complicated insurance and contractual claims, as a result of a fire, in another part of the building, which caused significant damage, during the works. Without Johns expertise and cool head, I am sure we would not have been able to deal with the works or certainly the subsequent claims process in such a proactive and decisive manner. I felt reassured to have John involved, throughout.

Mateo Kovačić, Manchester City and Croatian National team football player

John and I have been working together for over 10 years now and he personally has managed all of our developments, ranging from small new build 9-unit developments to larger 120-unit new build developments.

These contracts range from £2m to £30m. John has a keen eye for details and manages the team well, which varies depending on complexity of the projects. John regularly takes on the role of financial advisor, employers agent and project manager, on the smaller projects and is our Projects Director, managing larger teams of consultants, on the larger projects.

I have found John to be crucial in ensuring the smooth running of the project whilst keeping a firm grip on the financial aspects of the build and knowing how to deal with problems, whether they be contractual, financial or construction detailing.

William McKenna, Director, Luxgrove Capital Partners

John Hession of Congreve Horner has acted for us both personally and for Miles and Miles Property Ltd on a number of developments in London and the Home Counties.

John played a key role in cost planning, tender preparation, and project cost control. He worked collaboratively with different contractors and project teams and consistently demonstrated a high level of technical competence and attention to detail. John ensured budgets and timescales were met and was instrumental in the successful completion of our developments.

Simon Grime, Director, Miles and Miles Property Limited

I brought John on as a project manager after a trusted friend recommended him, having used him for a complex build of their own. From day one, John proved to be an invaluable asset.

He brought a level of expertise and professionalism that gave me real peace of mind, especially when dealing with contractors on a demanding basement extension. He kept a close eye on the budget and was always available to explain things clearly, cutting through the jargon and helping me make informed decisions. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to anyone taking on a major project.

Anton Morozov, Director, GMG Brokers Limited

james harrington

I have almost 20 years’ experience as a Chartered Surveyor and was involved in dealing with property and construction prior to qualifying. Through my career I have dealt with all aspects of construction, from building pathology, design development and contract administration, advising property management companies on repairs and other liabilities, expert witness, building surveys, party walls, and project management with cost advice. This breadth of experience has given me a broad technical knowledge which has allowed me to consistently deliver projects with successful outcomes through meticulous planning, risk management, and strong leadership. I believe my wide-ranging experience has given me a broad understanding of all elements of the property throughout its life, from initial feasibility and procurement to construction oversight, final delivery and in areas that are sometimes overlooked such as the need for ongoing maintenance. I like to think that I provide a beneficial conduit between client and contractor in construction projects and to guide people through a purchase or neighbourly agreement and to advise other property professionals in areas where they need an experts’ guidance!

john hession

I have 25 years’ experience as a Chartered Surveyor and this extensive career spans all aspects of construction, from building pathology, design development and contract administration, expert witness, building surveys, party walls, project management and much much more. This breadth of experience has given me a broad technical knowledge which has allowed me to consistently deliver Projects with successful outcomes through meticulous planning, risk management, and strong leadership. I believe my extensive experience has given me a deep understanding of all facets of the property lifecycle, from initial feasibility and procurement to construction oversight and final delivery. The main trait that I am proud of is being able to work with all types of personalities, trades and consultants in order to enable a collaborative environment to thrive which is the basis of any well managed project!

andrew dewhurst

I have over 45 years’ experience dealing with property and qualified as a Chartered Surveyor in 1992. My career spans all aspects of construction, from building pathology, building surveys, party walls advice, design development and contract administration, project management expert witness and much more. My broad technical knowledge allows me to consistently deliver projects with successful outcomes and to provide technical and practical advice. Having worked in property for so many years and dealt with the stripping out, repair, refurbishment and redevelopment of many buildings over that time, has given me an invaluable understanding of many different types of buildings and from conception to the end of their life including all stages in-between. It also means that I can advise on development from initial feasibility and procurement to construction monitoring and delivery.

I think I provide a beneficial conduit between client and contractor in construction projects and to guide people through a purchase or neighbourly agreement which they do not usually have to deal with in day to day life.