A close-knit firm, built by someone who's been through it.
Sawyer Fielding is a small, specialist team of chartered surveyors who do one thing: stand with homeowners when their home is threatened by compulsory purchase. Our founder, Dan Knowles, knows exactly how that feels — and it shapes everything we do.
From homeless teenager to the homeowner's champion.
At sixteen, Dan Knowles spent half a year homeless. It taught him, in the hardest way possible, what a secure roof over your head really means.
Years later — by then a qualified surveyor — Dan found himself living on a housing estate that was itself under threat of compulsory purchase. Those same feelings, of needing to protect your home and your rights, came flooding back.
For five years he worked the other side of the table, building and promoting compulsory purchase orders for councils and developers. He learned exactly how the system works, and how easily ordinary homeowners can be left behind. In 2011 he began representing homeowners instead — and in 2013 he founded Sawyer Fielding, a practice dedicated entirely to them.
Dan believes regeneration should happen with homeowners, not to them. He believes people should receive settlements that let them move on with their lives, rather than carry the scars of a difficult process. And he believes every homeowner deserves a genuine specialist in their corner — because the council, the developer and the housing association always have one.
More than a decade on, Dan is still at the helm, and Sawyer Fielding has grown into a team widely regarded as the most experienced in the country at representing homeowners. But the purpose hasn't changed since day one.
Dan tells his own story, in his own words.
"Having lost my own home, I know how frightening it is. My job — and my team's — is to make sure you're informed, supported and treated fairly, so you can get on with the rest of your life."Dan Knowles FRICS · Founder
We're with you from the first letter to the final move.
We don't just value your home, negotiate and disappear. We stay beside you through the whole thing — and because we're a small team on purpose, the person who picks up the phone actually knows you and your case.
Specialists, not generalists
Compulsory purchase for homeowners is all we do. The other side always uses a specialist — using one yourself simply levels the playing field.
One team, start to finish
Weighing up a shared-equity offer? We'll learn the scheme. Buying elsewhere? We'll help you find it, and talk to your solicitor and mortgage broker. Landlord? We'll explain your capital gains tax rollover. Whatever the step, we're on it.
Treated as an individual
Individual circumstances mean individual needs. If you're losing your home, you should be listened to and treated as a person — not a case number.
Among the most experienced voices in the field.
Dan has represented more homeowners affected by compulsory purchase than any other chartered surveyor in the UK — and the profession recognises it.
A small team who'll know you by name.
We've deliberately kept things close-knit. When you call, you'll speak to people who know your case — and who genuinely care how it turns out.
Dan Knowles FRICS
Dan founded Sawyer Fielding in 2013 and has represented more homeowners through compulsory purchase than any other chartered surveyor in the UK. A Fellow of the RICS and an RICS Registered Valuer, he sits on the RICS Compulsory Purchase Expert Panel and co-wrote the RICS consumer guide. Away from work he's a dad to two young sons, a keen photographer, and a long-suffering Wolves fan.
danknowles@sawyerfielding.co.uk
Nicky Welton MRICS
Nicky has worked her way up to Director. A Chartered Surveyor, RICS Registered Valuer and APC Assessor, she began her career at Carter Jonas in the West End — and on some schemes now negotiates against her former colleagues. She has specialist knowledge of leasehold and non-traditional construction, and a firm belief that anyone losing their home should be treated as an individual. Outside work, she's usually with friends and family or out cycling around London.
nickywelton@sawyerfielding.co.uk
Jessica Pelling
Jessica keeps everything — and everyone — running. With well over a decade in administration, she's the friendly voice our clients come to know well: booking appointments, keeping you updated, and becoming your main point of contact once a sale is agreed. Her warmth and organisation keep the whole office ticking. Outside work she's a devoted mum who never says no to a cruise.
info@sawyerfielding.co.ukWe give a meaningful share of what we earn back to housing charities.
Given where Dan started, helping people who are homeless or in housing need isn't a marketing line for us — it's personal. Through our charitable arm we've donated more than £30,000 to causes close to our hearts.
See our charity workTalk to a specialist who'll actually listen.
If your home is threatened by compulsory purchase, a friendly, no-obligation conversation is the best place to start.