Independent Property Valuation


July 26, 2023
 / 
Jessica Toogood
 / 

Independent Property Valuation


In the UK property market, one key factor plays a critical role in buying and selling decisions: understanding the true market value of the property. An independent property valuation provides the most reliable means of determining this. Whether you're buying, selling, considering an extension, or looking to secure a loan, an independent RICS property valuation could be invaluable.

A property valuation is conducted by an experienced RICS Chartered Surveyor who assesses the property's condition, including its unique features and attributes. This comprehensive evaluation estimates the assessed property's worth and helps establish its market value.

The independent valuation report will provide in-depth details about the property in question, including but not limited to its size, location, and condition. Such a report may prove crucial when you want to know how much a property similar to yours might fetch in the current market or when you want to gauge the value of your home.


Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

Valuation Cost


Typically an RICS Valuation can cost anything from £450 upwards, depending on the rough market value of the property. Click on the quotation form below for an instant, accurate quote for your property.


Why Opt for an Independent RICS Property Valuation


An independent property valuation provides an unbiased estimation of a property's market value. It differs from a mortgage valuation conducted by a mortgage lender, which primarily aims to verify whether the property is a good security for a loan. An independent valuation provides a comprehensive view, considering all aspects of the property, and serves the owner's best interest.

Whether you want to sell your property or secure a mortgage, an independent valuation will give you a realistic understanding of your property's value. This insight can help you make informed decisions and negotiate better deals with potential buyers or lenders.

Divorce Valuation of Property

The Role of an Independent Valuer 


A Chartered Surveyor is a highly trained and certified professional who offers various services, including property valuation and surveys. They adhere to the rigorous standards that the RICS sets, ensuring the valuation's accuracy and reliability.

Difference Between an Estate Agent’s and an Independent Valuation


An estate agent typically provides property valuations as a part of their service. However, it's important to remember that an estate agent’s primary objective is to sell your property. Their desire to secure a mandate from you might influence their valuation. On the other hand, an independent property valuation is performed by a neutral professional with no vested interest in the outcome of the valuation. This impartiality ensures a realistic and reliable valuation.

independent property valuation


Types of Valuations


Market Valuation: This involves assessing a property's market price, considering factors like size, condition, location, and other attributes.

Equity Valuation: This valuation helps determine the current value of a property, which is useful for paying off a help-to-buy loan or increasing ownership share.

Help to Buy Valuation: It's used to independently verify the value of a council or housing association home that tenants plan to buy.

Probate and Inheritance Valuation: This is needed to distribute a deceased person's estate to beneficiaries and determine inheritance and capital gains taxes.

Capital Gains Tax Valuation: This estimates the increase in property value for capital gains tax calculations when a property is sold.

ATED Valuation: Used by companies owning UK residential property over £500,000 to determine their annual tax liability.

Non-Domicile Valuation: This provides the market value of a UK property for non-UK residents, assisting in tax compliance and decision-making for property sales.

Divorce Settlement Valuation: An impartial valuation determining fair asset distribution during a divorce.

Insurance Reinstatement Valuation: This determines the cost of rebuilding a property in case of significant damage, providing a basis for insurance coverage.

Commercial Valuation: This assesses the value of commercial properties, such as shops and offices, for various purposes, including loans, tax, insurance, or charity act compliance.


Recent Reviews from Harding Chartered Surveyors

Excellent
Harding Chartered Surveyors4.6
Based on 168 reviews
Delivered ahead of time and in agreed scope.
I have used Harding Chartered Surveyors three times in the last 2 years to carry out valuations of properties. I found them to be efficient and good value. Kate always got back to me quickly and I was also able to communicate directly with the surveyor. Their final reports were polished and professional. I can recommend.
Extremely professional and personal service. I commissioned two reports recently, one for a structural engineering inspection and one for a full level three report. Both reports gave me what I required and more. I would highly recommend.
Always a positive experience with Harding Chartered Surveyors. Thank you
Highly professional and first class service. Reliable and totally trustworthy. Highly recommended for all levels of surveys and the go to surveyor for dependable advice and guidance on your property purchase.
Whenever we have any dealings with Harding Chartered Surveyors, they are always on time, friendly and professional. Fantastic people to work with.
David, Jessica and all of the team at Hardings are exceptional people and highly professional. Thank you for all of your support, to both our Vendors and Buyers within W4!
The snagging survey provided by Harding was very detailed and thorough. This helped us to identify some Safety and Building Regulation compliance issues ahead of completion, along with a general snagging list. Our surveyor, Alaa Ali, did a great job in explaining the issues and providing recommendations. Definitely recommend Harding for surveys.
Surveyor Kashmir was brilliant explained everything to me about lease extension have recommended you to a couple of friends who are looking to extend their leases
Very responsive and efficient. Pleasure doing business with them
Hardings were very efficient. Set up an appointment quickly and turned the valuation report around quickly as well. They were also very easy to reach when needed and their communication was clear. Would recommend if you need a valuation.
They have been great. Would totally recommend!
Easy to deal with. Good service. Recommended.
First class and a true professionals... Well done David, Jess and the team. Highly recommend to Horton and Garton buyers and vendors in the moving process. Reliably reliable and communicative. 10/10. John Horton - Director and Owner, Horton and Garton Estate Agents Chiswick and Hammersmith.
A really good experience all round. Kate replied quickly to my questions. The service was prompt and professional and good value compared to other quotes I received. Thanks!


Conclusion


When considering buying, selling, or even remodelling a property, it is essential to understand its worth in the current property market clearly. Harding Chartered Surveyors can provide a professional, independent property valuation report to establish your property's accurate market value.

Their RICS valuation report involves a comprehensive property assessment, considering the house's size, location, and overall condition. The house valuation will consider both the interior and exterior, with the RICS registered valuer having a keen eye for detail and a thorough understanding of how different factors can influence house prices.

It's worth noting that an online house value tool can provide a general idea, but its accuracy can't compete with a valuation conducted by a professional surveyor. Getting an independent property valuation is crucial because it is conducted by a neutral party with extensive knowledge of the property market. The RICS registered valuer brings an unbiased, professional opinion, ensuring a fair price for the property.

Whether you need a valuation for a mortgage application, to determine the loan-to-value ratio, or to know what your property is worth, Harding Chartered Surveyors is here to help. Our RICS-registered surveyors value the property independently, making the valuation process transparent and reliable. There are many reasons why you may need to get a property valuation; it could cost significantly if not done, or one conducted by a neutral party does not accurately reflect the worth of your property.

Our team at Harding Chartered Surveyors is always ready to discuss your specific needs and arrange an independent property valuation. If you want to get your house valued, contact us. We will provide an independent assessment, giving you an accurate idea of how much a similar property is worth, the price you could get for your property, and even the current valuation for an extension.

In conclusion, an independent valuation of your property by a professional surveyor, such as those at Harding Chartered Surveyors, is an invaluable tool that provides you with a precise, current, and comprehensive understanding of the worth of your property.

Jessica Toogood MRICS is a Chartered Surveyor and RICS Registered Valuer at Harding Chartered Surveyors. She joined the firm in 2019, following 10 years with Balfour Beatty as a Quantity Surveyor. Jessica brings extensive experience in project management, commercial property and formal valuation work, and reviews Harding’s valuation guidance to ensure it remains accurate, practical and professionally informed.
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