What’s the best way to get a house valuation? With us of course!
Get a free house valuation
WRITTEN BY: Tom condon ★ Digital Content Writer
What’s the best way to get a house valuation? With us of course!
Get a free house valuation
WRITTEN BY: Tom Condon ★ Digital Content Writer
If you’re looking to sell your home, there are numerous ways to determine its market value. Usually house listing prices are set by experienced estate agents who assess the home and estimate its worth to potential buyers. So, how much does a valuation cost at this initial stage? The good news is that estate agent valuations are completely free!
However, if you require a more detailed and comprehensive valuation, there are other options available. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about house valuations, including the different types and their associated costs.
Key takeaways:
Getting an estate agent valuation is a straightforward process that might provide you with a professional estimate of your home’s market value. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Begin by researching estate agents, both local and online. Look for estate agents with good reviews, a strong track record and experience in your local area. You can find this information on their websites, Google reviews, Trustpilot or by asking for recommendations from friends and family.
Once you have selected a few potential estate agents, visit their official websites. Most estate agents will have user-friendly websites with clear navigation to help you find the services you need.
On the estate agent’s website, look for a section labelled “Book a Valuation”. This button is usually found on the top right corner, or throughout the content.
When you click on the button, you will normally be faced with an online form, which will require your name and contact details.
Once you fill out the form, submit your request. An estate agent will then contact you to discuss your home in more detail. They may ask for additional information, such as the size of your home, recent renovations and any unique features that might affect its sale.
At this stage the estate agent may provide you with an initial online house valuation, which will give you a rough estimate of your home value. To confirm the valuation, they will also schedule an in-person house valuation on a schedule that suits you.
Before the estate agent or third party appraisal service arrives, prepare your home by tidying up and making it presentable. This can help give you a good first impression and may positively influence your valuation.
During the estate agent valuation, accompany the estate agent as they assess your home. Be prepared to answer any questions they might have and provide any additional information that could help in determining an accurate valuation.
After the visit, the estate agent will compile a valuation report based on their findings. This report will include an estimated market value for your home, along with an explanation of how the valuation was determined.
It’s always a good idea to get house valuations from multiple estate agents to compare estimates and get a well-rounded view of your home’s market value. Don’t hesitate to ask the estate agent about the factors influencing their valuation and how you might increase your home’s value.
You should always make sure that you get more than two estate agent valuations, as some (but not all) estate agents operate unethically, and will overvalue your property in order to win your business. If you get around three different estate agent valuations, then you can see if there are any overpriced offers.
Yes, you can certainly ask an estate agent for a valuation of your home. There are several ways to go about this other than using their website, depending on your preferences and the estate agent’s available services.
One way to request a house valuation is by contacting the estate agent via phone. Start by finding the contact number of the estate agent from their website or directory listings. Once you have the number, make a call and ask for a house valuation, then follow the steps above.
Alternatively, if you are wanting to contact a local estate agent, you can visit the local office and speak to them in person. They will walk you through their process and schedule in a valuation.
Estate agent valuations are usually offered as a no-obligation service and represents the initial step in the house selling process. If you would like to get an estate agent valuation straight away, then click the button below and fill out our online form.
One of our amazing estate agents will then get in touch with you to discuss your house in more detail before scheduling a house valuation on a timescale that suits you.
Sell to a regulated estate agent
If you want to get a house valuation without the intention of selling your home, there are a few ways you can do it. Each method can help you understand your home’s current market value for various purposes, such as financial planning, refinancing or making improvements.
One of the most straightforward ways to obtain a house valuation without selling is by requesting valuations from multiple estate agents. Many estate agents offer free, no-obligation valuations as part of their services to attract potential future clients.
Once you receive valuations from multiple estate agents, compare the estimates. To get a more accurate idea of your home’s value, calculate the average of these house valuations. This approach provides a well-rounded view of your home’s market value without any commitment to sell.
Another reliable method for getting a house valuation is to commission a home survey from a qualified surveyor, particularly one accredited by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
The only RICS survey which automatically comes with a house valuation is the Home Buyer Report, which can cost anywhere from £400 to £700, depending on the size of your home.
The Home Buyer Report offers a more detailed assessment than the Condition Report. It includes an evaluation of the home’s overall condition, any major defects and recommendations for repairs & maintenance.
Both the Condition Report and Building Survey can be conducted with an additional fee for a house valuation, if more or less information is required.
For a seller, an estate agent valuation is more convenient and cost-effective for getting an initial idea of your home’s market value and understanding local market conditions.
However, if you want a detailed and unbiased professional valuation that includes an in-depth condition report, investing in a Homebuyer Report can be very advantageous, especially if you anticipate needing to address issues or provide buyers with detailed information.
Using both can be the most beneficial. Starting with an estate agent valuation to gauge market conditions and then, if needed, obtaining a HomeBuyer report for an in-depth understanding and to strengthen your position with potential buyers.
Additionally, property valuation surveys from chartered surveyors can also provide a highly detailed and authoritative evaluation, which can be particularly useful for legal or financial purposes beyond just selling.
Estate agent valuations are best for quick, free and market focused house assessments. They are useful if you want to get multiple opinions and understand how estate agents will market your home.
You should consider an estate agent valuation if you need an immediate market value, looking to prepare to list your home soon, and want to avoid upfront costs.
HomeBuyer report on the other hand, is best for a detailed understanding of your home’s condition and objective, professional valuation. Ideal if you want to address potential issues before selling or provide buyers with a thorough report.
You should consider a HomeBuyer report if you are willing to invest in a comprehensive assessment to potentially justify your asking price and prepare for any negotiations with informed buyers.
Here at The Property Selling Company, we not only provide you with an online and in-person house valuation, but we will also cover the cost of a survey on your home. This allows us to confirm your house valuation with a third party and ensure our house valuations are as accurate as possible.
Most estate agents will not charge for a house valuation. Usually, estate agent valuations are provided as a free service and come with no obligation, meaning you are not required to use their services afterwards. This is a common practice as it allows estate agents to establish a relationship with potential clients who may decide to sell their home in the future.
However, there are instances where a house valuation might come with a charge. This usually applies to mortgage valuations or valuations conducted by chartered surveyors.
For an accurate house valuation, you can reach out to chartered surveyors. These professional valuers provide detailed and authoritative evaluations and will usually charge £300+ for this service. Chartered surveyors offer a comprehensive assessment, which is usually useful for legal or financial purposes, including selling, buying or refinancing.
Mortgage lenders also conduct valuations to determine your home’s worth before lending money. This is an important step in the mortgage approval process to ensure the loan amount is appropriate for the home’s value.
Usually, you will pay an additional £100 or so on top of your other fees for this valuation. This cost is part of the overall mortgage process, and you won’t be able to borrow the mortgage amount until the lender completes the valuation.
While most estate agent valuations are free and no-obligation, valuations for specific purposes such as mortgages or detailed assessments by chartered surveyors will come with a fee:
| Type | Survey / valuation | Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| RICS survey | Condition Report | £380+ | The Condition Report assesses any defects or safety issues at your home and is primarily used for new homes. It does not include a house valuation unless specifically requested. |
| Homebuyer Report | £500+ | The HomeBuyer report is a more detailed survey that identifies any issues or damage within the home. The report highlights any problems that you or a buyer would need to address for safety or long-term maintenance. It does include a house valuation. | |
| Building Survey | £800+ | A Building Survey is the most detailed report, examining both the structure and condition of a home. For older homes, it highlights the extent of any issues, allowing a buyer to estimate the cost of necessary repairs. | |
| Chartered surveyor | Property valuation survey | £320+ | A Property Valuation Survey involves a chartered surveyor officially valuing your home. The cost will vary depending on the size and value of your house. |
| Estate agent | House valuation | £0 | Estate agent valuations are completely free and the easiest valuation to get. |
| Mortgage lender | Mortgage valuation | £150+ | Mortgage valuations change in price relative to the home value. |
Yes, most estate agents carry out house valuations for free as part of their onboarding process. Offering a free valuation allows estate agents to build relationships with you and provide an initial assessment of your home’s market value. This no-obligation service helps homeowners understand what their home could sell for in the current market and prepares them for the selling process.
If you like an estate agent, and like the house valuation they provide you, then it may be worth choosing them to sell your house. At this stage, you should ask them several questions about their house selling process.
At The Property Selling Company, we take this service a step further. Not only do we offer free online and in-person house valuations, but we also cover the cost of a Property Valuation Survey to ensure that your house is valued correctly.
Our holistic approach ensures accuracy and reliability in the valuation, giving you confidence in your home’s assessed value. Our goal is to provide you with a detailed and accurate understanding of your home’s worth, which can help you make informed decisions whether you’re planning to sell immediately or just exploring your options.
Yes, getting a property valuation is definitely worth it. A house valuation provides a professional estimate of your home’s market value, which is important at various stages of the selling process. Here are some reasons why obtaining a property valuation is beneficial:
An accurate valuation ensures that you set a realistic and competitive asking price for your home. Overpricing can deter buyers, while underpricing can result in financial loss. An accurate valuation helps you position your house correctly in the market.
At certain stages of the selling process, a house valuation is required. Mortgage lenders for example often require a valuation to approve a loan for prospective buyers. Having a valuation ready can streamline the selling process and make your house more attractive to serious buyers.
Knowing your home’s value can help you make informed decisions about potential improvements or renovations. By understanding the impact of certain upgrades on your home’s value, you can invest wisely and potentially increase your home’s market appeal.
When you get a house valuation, you have a solid basis for negotiations with buyers. It provides documented evidence of your home’s worth, which can help justify your asking price during discussion with buyers.
We highly recommend getting a survey in addition to your house valuation. A survey provides a detailed report on the condition of your home, highlighting any issues that need attention.
Buyers will likely commission their own survey and being aware of any problems in advance can prevent unexpected surprises and allow you to address issues before they become obstacles in the sale.
Unfortunately, there are many factors that can devalue a home, and we’ve listed some common ones that homeowners might overlook:
One of the most significant issues that can devalue a home is subsidence and other structural problems. These issues might not always be visible to the naked eye and often require a deeper investigation.
Subsidence, the most common structural issue can reduce the value of your home by up to 20% if it’s severe. While selling a house with subsidence is possible, you must legally disclose this to buyers.
Other structural issues that can devalue your home include damp, asbestos, flat roofs, and Japanese Knotweed, which can also reduce a house’s value by as much as 20%.
The aesthetic appeal of your home, both inside and out, can greatly impact its valuation. If your interior walls have peeling wallpaper or crumbling plaster, it will not create a positive impression during a valuation.
Similarly, a tired-looking exterior can detract from your home’s appeal. Ensuring a fresh coat of paint, a tidy and clean environment, and well-maintained exterior features like clean windows and repaired pathways can make a significant difference during valuation and viewings.
Following on from the point above, your kitchen and bathrooms are pivotal areas in determining the price of your home. An outdated or poorly maintained kitchen or bathroom can negatively impact your home’s price.
This is mainly because these are the two rooms that people spend the most time in, and often want to imagine themselves in.
The location of your home also plays an important role in its valuation. High crime rates, noise and nearby repossessions or rundown homes can all negatively affect your house’s value. While you may not have control over the neighbourhood, persistent noise and antisocial behaviour can sometimes be addressed by contacting your local council.
In today’s market, energy efficiency is a significant consideration for prospective buyers. A lower-than average energy rating can devalue your home and reduce interest from buyers. Older homes usually have poorer energy performance, which is especially an issue for potential landlords, as rented homes cannot have an energy rating below E.
Most estate agents don’t take photographs for marketing purposes during the validation appointment, as this is usually arranged at a later stage once you have decided to proceed with selling your home. However, there are a few reasons why an estate agent might take photographs during the valuation process.
For one, some estate agents might take photos during the valuation to use as evidence back at their office. These images help ensure that their valuation opinion aligns with those of their colleagues, ensuring that you receive the most accurate house valuation possible. By sharing photographs with their team, estate agents can discuss and verify their initial assessment, leading to a more precise and reliable valuation.
A house valuation can take some time, as estate agents or chartered surveyors will thoroughly assess every inch of your home. Taking photographs can be an excellent visual aid when creating your valuation report.
These images can help the estate agent recall specific details about your home, such as unique features, areas that need improvement, or any issues that might affect the valuation.
While photographs during the valuation are primarily for internal use and reporting, the actual marketing photographs are usually arranged later. Once you decide to list your home, the estate agent will schedule a professional photo shoot to capture high-quality images that highlight your home’s best features.
First impressions count, and it’s important to ensure that your home is clean and presentable before a house valuation. A clean and tidy home creates a positive impression and helps to eliminate any doubts about the condition of your home.
Ensuring your home is clean before a valuation is essential. A well-maintained and orderly home suggests to the valuer that the house has been cared for, which can positively influence their assessment. While you can usually clean your home yourself to a good standard, here are some specific areas to focus on:
If your house has any visual issues such as dampness or subsidence, it is important not to cover these up for the house valuation. Attempting to conceal major defects can backfire, as these issues will likely be uncovered during a more thorough house survey. Misleading buyers about the condition of your home can lead to legal and financial repercussions.
Instead, be transparent about any problems and consider addressing them if possible. Fixing minor issues and presenting your home in its best light without hiding significant defects is a more honest and effective approach.
When it comes to selling your house, choosing the right partner is important. The Property Selling Company offers a unique and comprehensive approach that sets us apart from traditional estate agents.
We provide more than just a basic house valuation. We offer free online and in-person valuations, ensuring that you have a clear and accurate understanding of your home’s market value.
Additionally, we cover the cost of a Property Valuation Survey, conducted by a qualified surveyor, to confirm the accuracy of our valuations. This thorough approach guarantees that our valuations are reliable and precise, giving you confidence in your home’s assessed value.
Our estate agent valuation is completely free and comes with no obligation to proceed. This means you get an initial assessment of your home’s value without any commitment, allowing you to explore your options and make informed decisions at your own pace.
We aim to make the process as straightforward and stress free as possible, providing you with all the information you need to move forward with confidence.
Choosing The Property Selling Company means partnering with a team that offers more than just a valuation. We provide a comprehensive, no-obligation service that includes detailed surveys, expert advice, and support throughout the selling process, all while helping you sell in as little as 28 days.
Our commitment to accuracy, transparency and enhancing your home’s market appeal makes us the ideal choice for homeowners looking to sell with confidence and ease. Contact us today to start your journey towards a successful house sale.
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© 2022 The Property Selling Company
The Property Selling Company is part of The Property Buying Company Limited (Registration No. 08023018) is incorporated in England and Wales. Registered office: 4 Deighton Cl, Wetherby LS22 7GZ
