Why use a certified Property Surveyor?

Using a certified Property Surveyor is the only way to get an accurate valuation of your property. Surveyors are experts in property valuation and can provide a reliable and accurate valuation.

Surveyors are highly respected professionals in the property industry, and they can help buyers, sellers and lenders avoid costly mistakes.

A property surveyor valuation is a more detailed and objective assessment of a property’s market value, conducted by a qualified professional who considers the property’s condition, local market data and the house price index (HPI).

An estate agent valuation, by contrast, is typically a market appraisal – often focused on achieving the highest possible selling price for the seller, and potentially less comprehensive in its analysis of the property’s condition. Essentially, a surveyor’s valuation is considered more accurate and unbiased than an estate agent’s.

Surveyor versus estate agent valuation:

• A surveyor conducts a thorough inspection of the property, considering its physical condition, structural integrity and potential defects, while an estate agent valuation may rely more on comparable recent sales in the area and market trends.
• Surveyors are bound by professional standards set by organisations like the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), aiming for a neutral and accurate valuation, whereas estate agents may have a vested interest in presenting a higher valuation to secure a sale.
• Surveyors must adhere to specific guidelines and standards when valuing properties, which typically leads to more objective assessments.
• A surveyor’s primary focus is the physical condition of a property, identifying potential issues and accurately reflecting them in the valuation, whereas an agent might prioritise market factors and the desirability of the property to potential buyers.
• Potential conflicts of interest: estate agents have an incentive to present a property in the best light to secure a sale, which could lead to overvaluing a property.
• You can use a valuation carried out by a surveyor under guidelines issued by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

A surveyor property valuation in the UK typically costs between £150 and £800, depending on the size, value and location of the property, with a basic valuation falling within the range of £100–£250. Larger or more complex properties will generally cost more to assess.

Free and budget-friendly valuation tools:

Valuing a property can be an emotional affair, and this is why it is important to enlist the services of an unbiased and neutral professional.

To give you some idea, though, below are several free and budget tools and resources you can use to gauge a rough idea of your property’s value.

• Propertychecker.co.uk
• Land Registry – search the price paid dataset (HM Land Registry Open Data)
• REalyse Pulse – AI-powered property valuations, comparables and listings (small charge)
  • Precise valuations in one click
  • Powered by the UK’s most comprehensive property database
  • More precise than traditional valuation methods
  • Real-time market insights and comparables data
• Also, what you think – sensibly!

Property Checker gives you the same information listed on the Land Registry website. It’s easy and it’s free. It gives you all kinds of information such as an estimated property value, sales history, EPC details and council tax band, and you can also check lease information and lots more. Simply enter your postcode and it will give you an insightful overview and summary.

When deciding on a price for your property, you must ask yourself 3 things:

1. The price you wish to market it at (based on facts and not emotion)
2. A price you will accept (how much will you reduce it by, if at all)
3. A quick sale price (ONLY advised if time is an issue for you)