VALUER
AS A SURVEY ADD-ON
REPORT STANDARD
REPORT TURNAROUND
What Is a RICS Private Valuation?
A RICS private valuation is an independent assessment of a property’s market value, carried out by a RICS Registered Valuer. Unlike estate agent valuations, which can be optimistic to win your business, a RICS valuation gives you an objective, honest figure based on professional expertise and market evidence.
It tells you what a property would reasonably sell for in the current market, taking into account its location, condition, size, and local market trends.
RICS Valuation vs Estate Agent Appraisal
Estate agents provide free valuations, so why pay a RICS surveyor? Independence and accuracy. An agent has a vested interest in securing your business, which can lead to inflated valuations. A RICS surveyor has no such conflict — honest, evidence-based assessments that reflect true market value.
| RICS Registered Valuer | Estate agent appraisal | |
|---|---|---|
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Independent — no stake in the outcome |
Commission incentive to flatter the figure |
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Red Book method — evidence and comparable sales |
Marketing appraisal — an asking price, not a value |
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Accepted by lenders, HMRC and courts |
Not accepted for tax, loans or legal purposes |
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Fixed fee — you’re the only client in the room |
Free — but motivated by the instruction to sell |
When You Need One
Before making an offer
Ensure you’re not overpaying for a property — and negotiate armed with professional evidence of market value.
Before listing your home
Set a realistic asking price based on what the market will actually pay.
Financial planning
Understand your property equity and net worth — or simply satisfy your curiosity with a real figure.
Divorce discussions
Fairly divide property assets with an independent figure both sides can rely on.
CONSIDERED IN YOUR VALUATION
- Location and local amenities
- Property size, layout and number of bedrooms
- Overall condition, defects and improvements
- Comparable sales in the area
- Current market conditions and trends
What Your Valuation Report Includes
A RICS Registered Valuer inspects the property thoroughly and provides a detailed valuation report that explains the assessment clearly — including the evidence and methodology used to reach the conclusion.
THE RED BOOK STANDARD
Add a valuation to your survey for £100
Already having a home survey? Add a market valuation to your Level 2 or Level 3 survey and get the complete picture — not just the property’s condition, but whether you’re paying a fair price.
on any survey
Private Valuation Cost
As an add-on to any home survey, a valuation is £100. For a standalone valuation, your exact price depends on the property — it takes two minutes to get online, and the price you see is the price you pay.
THE RED BOOK STANDARD
What a Red Book Valuation Means
Every valuation we provide is carried out by a RICS Registered Valuer and reported to the RICS Valuation — Global Standards, known as the “Red Book”. That’s what makes the figure defensible: a consistent, evidence-based method, comparable sales, and a report format that institutions trust.
- ✓ RICS Registered Valuer
- ✓ Red Book methodology
- ✓ Accepted by HMRC, lenders, housing associations & courts
FAQs
Why pay for a valuation when estate agents value for free?
Independence and accuracy. Estate agents have a vested interest in securing your business, which can lead to inflated valuations. A RICS surveyor has no such conflict — we provide honest, evidence-based assessments that reflect true market value, which matters when you’re making significant financial decisions.
Can I add a valuation to my home survey?
Yes — a market valuation is a £100 add-on to any Level 2 or Level 3 survey. You get the complete picture: the property’s condition and whether you’re paying a fair price.
Do you know my local market?
Based in Altrincham, Chester and Preston, we have extensive knowledge of the North West property market — what properties are selling for in your area, what buyers are looking for, and how local factors affect values.
What will the report tell me?
What the property would reasonably sell for in the current market, with the evidence and methodology behind the figure explained clearly — location, size, condition, comparable sales and market trends all considered.