Property Valuations in London & the South East

Buying, selling and general market value

If you are buying, selling, transferring ownership or simply want an independent figure, you can arrange a residential property valuation that gives you an objective opinion of market value. It also helps to understand the different types of valuation report we produce and what is contained in the final valuation report.

Valuations for tax

Several tax situations require a professionally supported property value rather than an informal estimate. For an estate, a probate and inheritance tax valuation establishes the property's market value at the date of death for estate-administration and tax purposes. A Capital Gains Tax valuation can establish the value at a relevant historic date when calculating the gain arising from a sale, gift or transfer. Companies and certain other corporate bodies holding UK residential property worth more than £500,000 may require an ATED valuation.

Clients who live overseas, have recently arrived in or left the UK, or need a historic value under transitional tax rules may also need specialist valuation advice — work still sometimes searched for as a non-domicile tax valuation, although the former non-domicile regime was replaced by residence-based rules from April 2025. The correct valuation date and basis should be confirmed with your accountant or tax adviser before the valuer is instructed.

Valuations for divorce and legal matters

Where assets have to be divided fairly, an independent figure removes a major source of dispute. A matrimonial valuation provides an impartial opinion of value for divorce, separation or court proceedings, prepared by a valuer whose duty is to the facts.

Valuations for government home-ownership schemes

Home-ownership schemes have their own valuation rules and reporting requirements. A Help to Buy valuation may be required when repaying some or all of an equity loan, selling the property or remortgaging. A shared ownership valuation is commonly required when selling your share or buying an additional share through staircasing.

For Right to Buy applications, the landlord normally provides the statutory offer and property valuation, and the discount is set under the scheme rules. Where you are concerned that the stated market value is too high, independent valuation advice can help you assess the figure and understand the options available under the formal review process.

Insurance and rebuilding cost

A Reinstatement Cost Assessment answers a different question from a market valuation. It provides a professionally assessed estimate of the likely cost of demolishing and rebuilding the property, including relevant professional fees and other stated allowances, so an appropriate buildings-insurance figure can be considered. You can read more about how an insurance reinstatement valuation helps you avoid being under- or over-insured.

Commercial and specialist valuations

A commercial property valuation can be prepared for acquisitions, disposals, company accounts, asset reporting and other business purposes; for secured lending, the lender may need to appoint or approve the valuer before the inspection takes place. A rent review valuation provides market evidence to support negotiations under a commercial lease. Charities selling, leasing or otherwise disposing of land may require a valuation and designated adviser's report prepared in accordance with the Charities Act requirements.

Where a formal Red Book valuation is required, it should be prepared by an appropriately qualified and experienced valuer acting under clear terms of engagement. An RICS Registered Valuer works within the RICS regulatory framework and prepares valuations in accordance with the applicable RICS Valuation – Global Standards (the "Red Book") and UK requirements.

This differs from an estate agent's market appraisal, which is normally prepared to recommend an asking price for marketing purposes. A formal valuation identifies its purpose, valuation basis, effective valuation date, assumptions, intended users and supporting market evidence, providing a documented opinion of value on which the named client can rely.

An RICS valuation provides an independent professional opinion of value for your property or land. A RICS Registered Valuer follows recognised professional standards, considers relevant market evidence and applies the appropriate valuation methodology for the property and purpose of the report.

This gives you a written valuation that can be relied on for formal purposes such as tax, probate, matrimonial matters, shared ownership, Help to Buy, lease extension, freehold purchase, accounting or legal proceedings.