Discover the importance of getting your property valued, if you’re thinking about letting or selling.
Whether you're looking to sell, let, or are simply curious about what your property could fetch on today's market - getting the price right from the outset is important.
To support you at every stage, we offer two types of property valuation: an instant online estimate and a more detailed expert valuation. They each provide a flexible and comprehensive way to understand your property’s true market position.
An instant online valuation on your property is a great first step. It uses powerful market data to provide you with an online estimate of what your property could be let or sold for. If you want a more accurate valuation, then it’s worth seeing what a local expert thinks your home is worth. This isn't a formal meeting but rather a no-obligation appointment and property visit by a local expert, who will provide you with a real sense of your property’s value.
In this article, we break down why you need a valuation when letting or selling, and what you can expect from each type of valuation so you can make more informed decisions.
Why do I need a property valuation?
There are several reasons why you might want your property valued. You may be thinking about selling or letting it out, or you might be dealing with probate, separation, or the management of jointly owned property.
Whatever your circumstances, a valuation will help you determine the property’s value in today’s property market. This will help you gain a better understanding of how much you could sell or let your property for.
What influences a property valuation?
Various elements make up the final valuation. Some of the most influential include:
- Location, with emphasis on proximity to transport links, schools, amenities and local demand
- Property size and layout, including the number of bedrooms, overall square footage and usability
- Condition and presentation, both inside and out
- Age and style of the property
- Outdoor space, such as gardens or balconies
- Current market conditions, including buyer or tenant demand
Beyond these aspects, local trends also play an important role. For example, two similar properties in different areas can achieve very different values depending on demand, desirability and recent comparable sales or rentals.
For landlords in particular, there are additional factors to consider. Rental valuations are also influenced by compliance with legislation, including minimum energy efficiency standards, safety requirements and tenant protections. There are differences across the UK nations too.
For example, in England, when remarketing a property, landlords can reset the rent in line with current market levels but must advertise a fixed price and cannot accept bids above it. This makes getting the initial asking rent right especially important. A well-balanced valuation takes into account both local market comparables and legal requirements, helping ensure your property is competitively priced and fully compliant from the outset.
What is an instant valuation?
An instant valuation is an easy and convenient way to understand the value of your property. It can be completed quickly via our website at any time. Simply enter your address and postcode, along with some basic information about yourself, and you’ll receive an estimate of your home’s ‘to let’ and ‘for sale’ value.
The information in an instant valuation is based on data from the Land Registry and recent property sales. The one thing to remember about an instant valuation is that it doesn’t take into account changes or improvements that you may have made to your property which could increase its value. Only an expert agent will be able to tell you whether your loft extension or new bathroom will have added value. After you’ve completed your online instant valuation, you’ll receive the results and can decide what to do next from there.
What is an expert valuation?
As we’ve mentioned, whilst an instant valuation is a very useful tool, it does have some limitations. To gain a complete understanding of your property’s worth, you’ll need an expert valuation on your property.
An expert valuation involves a property expert coming to your home to give a more detailed and accurate valuation. It’s a free and no-obligation appointment where your local agent will view your property while considering the most recent market dynamics and property rates.
During the visit, your agent will assess your property in person while considering:
- Its overall condition and presentation
- Any improvements or upgrades you’ve made
- Unique features that set your home apart
- Current market trends and local demand
Ultimately, an expert valuation also offers something data alone cannot, which is advice. Your estate agent can suggest practical ways to increase your property’s appeal, whether you’re preparing to sell or let your space.
What is the expert valuation process?
As every property will be different, each valuation process will also differ. However, on the whole, there are some key aspects that most property valuations will include, for example, property experts will:
- Take note of the property’s age
- Consider any changes and improvements made
- Make a list of all key features, including the garden size, where applicable
- Inspect the interior and exterior of the property
Getting a valuation gives you the opportunity to ask questions, including how you could increase the property’s value or, as a landlord, make it more attractive to potential tenants.
How to arrange a property valuation
If you’re a landlord or homeowner and want quick insight into your property’s value, get an instant valuation here. For a free, no-obligation, more in-depth valuation of your property, book your expert valuation here. Remember that an expert property valuation is a personalised, more detailed and accurate assessment of your property, putting you in a stronger position whether you decide to sell or let.
