There are many situations where an estimated property price is not enough. You may need a formal, independent valuation prepared by a qualified professional.
A RICS Valuation in Kent provides an assessment of a property’s market value and can be required for purposes including Help to Buy, shared ownership, private sales and purchases, remortgaging, staircasing, and matrimonial or legal matters.
London & Kent Surveyors provides Red Book-compliant valuations carried out by RICS-registered valuers across Kent and London.
What Is a RICS Valuation?
A RICS Valuation in Kent is a professional assessment of a property’s value carried out by a suitably qualified valuer.
Unlike an estate agent appraisal, which is generally intended to suggest a potential marketing price, a RICS valuation is a formal assessment based on property information, market evidence and professional valuation standards.
London & Kent Surveyors’ valuation service is designed for residential purposes where an independent and reliable figure is required. Their valuations are Red Book compliant and supported by relevant market evidence.
When Might You Need a RICS Valuation in Kent?
There are several common reasons for arranging a RICS Valuation in Kent.
Help to Buy
If you are repaying or redeeming a Help to Buy equity loan, you may need an independent property valuation that meets the scheme’s requirements.
Shared Ownership and Staircasing
Shared ownership homeowners may require a valuation when purchasing additional shares in their property, commonly known as staircasing.
The valuation establishes the current market value so that the cost of the additional share can be calculated.
Buying or Selling Privately
A professional valuation can also be useful where a property is being bought or sold privately and both parties need an independent assessment of its current value.
Remortgaging
A valuation may be required as part of certain remortgaging situations, particularly where an independent figure is needed for financial or ownership purposes.
Matrimonial and Legal Matters
Property valuations can also be required in matrimonial or other legal situations where the value of a residential property needs to be established professionally.
London & Kent Surveyors specifically provides valuations for each of these purposes.
What Happens During a RICS Valuation?
The first step is establishing why the valuation is required.
This is important because the surveyor needs to understand the purpose of the report and any specific requirements that may apply.
The surveyor will then assess the property and consider relevant factors affecting its value. This can include:
- Property type and size
- Location
- Age and construction
- General condition
- Extensions or alterations
- Comparable property evidence
- Current market conditions
Following the assessment, the valuer prepares the appropriate valuation report.
Is a RICS Valuation the Same as a Level 2 or Level 3 Survey?
No. They serve different purposes.
A RICS Valuation in Kent is primarily concerned with establishing the property’s value.
A Level 2 Homebuyer Survey focuses on the property’s condition, visible defects and areas that may require repair or further investigation. London & Kent Surveyors states that a Level 2 survey can also include an optional professional valuation.
A Level 3 Building Survey provides a more detailed assessment and is particularly suited to older, larger, heavily altered or more complex properties. It includes defect diagnosis and recommendations for remedial work, with an optional valuation also available.
If you are unsure which survey is suitable for a property purchase, the guide to Level 2 vs Level 3 Surveys explains the differences in more detail.
Why Choose a RICS Valuation Rather Than an Estate Agent Estimate?
Estate agent appraisals can be useful when deciding how to market a property, but they do not serve the same purpose as a formal valuation.
London & Kent Surveyors explains that its valuations are professional assessments backed by market data and delivered by RICS-registered valuers, making them suitable for circumstances involving lenders, solicitors and housing associations.
Where an organisation specifically requests a RICS or Red Book valuation, an estate agent estimate may therefore not meet the required criteria.
Choosing a Valuer in Kent
When arranging a RICS Valuation in Kent, it is important to explain exactly why you need the valuation.
The Kent property market includes a wide range of housing, from modern developments to older and more complex properties. Local market knowledge, comparable evidence and the characteristics of the individual property all contribute to the final assessment.
London & Kent Surveyors specialises in residential surveys and valuations across London and Kent and is regulated by RICS.
Arrange a RICS Valuation in Kent
If you need a RICS Valuation in Kent, London & Kent Surveyors can advise on the appropriate valuation service based on your circumstances.
Their Valuations service covers Help to Buy, shared ownership, staircasing, private sales and purchases, remortgaging, and matrimonial and legal matters. L K Surveyors
You can also review the firm’s surveying services if you require a Level 2 or Level 3 Survey alongside the valuation
