Matrimonial Property Valuation in London

A matrimonial property valuation is an independent opinion of a property’s market value at an agreed date. It is commonly requested when spouses or civil partners are separating, divorcing or dissolving a civil partnership and need a reliable figure for the family home, an investment property or another real-estate asset. It is sometimes described as a divorce property valuation or house valuation for divorce.

A formal valuation is not automatically required in every divorce. If the parties agree a figure, expert evidence may not be necessary. Where value is disputed, the property is unusual, or a court or solicitor requires an independent report, a RICS Registered Valuer can provide evidence suited to the stated purpose.

The instructions should identify the property interest, valuation date, basis of value, intended users and whether the valuer is acting for one party, both parties as a single joint expert, or only for private negotiations. A report obtained for one purpose should not automatically be relied upon for another.

If the valuation is to be used as expert evidence, the valuer’s overriding duty is to the court rather than to the party or parties paying the fee. Not every matrimonial valuation is an expert-witness report, so it is important to agree the correct scope before the inspection.

Your valuer will normally inspect the property and consider its location, accommodation, condition insofar as it affects value, tenure, lease terms, improvements, rights or restrictions and relevant comparable transactions. The written report will explain the valuation basis, material assumptions and evidence used. Where a formal Red Book valuation is required, it is prepared in accordance with the applicable RICS Valuation – Global Standards and UK requirements.

Information that helps us scope the instruction:

• the address and type of each property to be valued;
• the required valuation date, including whether a retrospective value is needed;
• the court order or draft letter of instruction, if applicable;
• title and lease documents, tenancy details and information about major alterations;
• the names of the parties and solicitors so that conflict checks can be completed; and
• access arrangements for the inspection.

A property valuer assesses real estate. Pensions, businesses, shares, jewellery, art and other assets require appropriately qualified specialists. Your solicitor can advise which assets need expert evidence and whether court permission is required.

A formal matrimonial property valuation gives both parties and their advisers a clearly defined, evidence-based figure at an agreed valuation date. It can support disclosure, negotiations, mediation or court proceedings, depending on the instructions.

• Independent market evidence: the opinion is based on an inspection, relevant property information and comparable market transactions.
• A defined valuation date: the report can address current market value or, where sufficient evidence is available, a retrospective date specified in the instructions.
• Transparent assumptions: the report records the basis of value, material assumptions, limitations and evidence considered.
• Consistent treatment: one valuer can assess several properties using the same basis and valuation date.
• Reduced scope for disagreement: an impartial figure can narrow the issues that solicitors and the parties need to resolve.

A matrimonial valuation is different from an estate agent’s marketing appraisal, a mortgage valuation and a building survey. A marketing appraisal is aimed at a possible sale, while a mortgage valuation is prepared for a lender. A valuation is also not a detailed inspection of defects. If condition advice is needed, see our property survey service. For a general explanation of formal valuation work, see our property valuation guide.

In financial remedy proceedings, expert evidence is controlled by Part 25 of the Family Procedure Rules. The court’s permission is required before expert evidence is put before the court, and the court may direct that a property valuation is provided by a single joint expert.

A single joint expert is instructed for both parties, usually through a jointly agreed letter of instruction. The valuer remains independent even though the parties meet the fee. A report commissioned by one party can still assist private negotiations, but your solicitor should confirm whether it can be relied upon in proceedings and what form of report is required.

When a valuer is acting as an expert, the overriding duty is to help the court on matters within the valuer’s expertise. That duty takes priority over any obligation to the person who instructed or paid the expert. Reports intended as expert evidence must also follow the applicable requirements of Practice Direction 25B.

If proceedings have started, obtain your solicitor’s advice before instructing a valuer so that the correct parties, questions, valuation date and court timetable are included from the outset.