When you’re thinking about selling your home, one of the first questions you’ll most likely have is: how much is my house worth? After all, if you’re going to buy a new property (or use the proceeds to fund something else), you need to know how much you’re likely to get from the sale. That’s why getting an accurate valuation is one of the first things you should do, not just when you’re getting ready to sell, but considering remortgaging or managing an inheritance too. A valuation not only gives you a better understanding of your property’s worth, but it also helps you set realistic expectations for what you can do next.
There are several ways to get a house valuation in the UK, ranging from free estate agent visits to professional surveyors and instant online tools. Each option has its pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your goals.
In this article, we’ll explain how:
- Obtaining an accurate house valuation is crucial for selling, remortgaging and financial planning, providing a clear understanding of your property’s worth.
- There are various methods for getting a house valuation in the UK, ranging from estate agents and chartered surveyors to online tools and cash buyers.
- The choice of valuation method depends on your goals, such as speed, accuracy or market insight.
- You can get a fast valuation and sell your house quickly with Zapperty.
How to Get a House Valuation
There are four main ways to get a house valuation in the UK. Some are more accurate than others, but may require a little effort (and even a fee), while some are fast but less accurate and unlikely to be accepted by mortgage lenders. Here’s how to get a house valuation:
1. With an Estate Agent
Most high-street estate agents offer free property valuations. To do this, contact them and ask them to set up a time when it’s convenient for you both. They’ll visit your home in person, assess its size, condition and location, and give you an estimate based on comparable properties in your area. Estate agents are motivated to win you over, so they may occasionally overvalue your home. Still, this can be useful for understanding what your property might fetch on the open market and you’re under no obligation to sell your home through them afterwards.
2. With a Chartered Surveyor
If you want an independent and highly accurate valuation, hiring a RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) chartered surveyor is the best route. They can give you a detailed report that banks, solicitors and courts recognise. A surveyor’s valuation typically costs around £250 to £500, depending on property size and location. They’re not cheap, but their report will be unbiased and thorough.
3. With Online Estate Agents
Property sites like Rightmove and Zoopla provide online valuation tools where you input details such as the number of rooms, property type and postcode. But, it’s much harder to tell sites like these that you’ve had renovations or extensions added to your property, as it only knows historical data until it’s updated. These sites are useful when it comes to giving you a ballpark figure, but they’re generally unreliable and won’t be accepted by lenders if you’re looking to remortgage.
Some online estate agents offer virtual valuations via video calls. These valuations are quick and convenient, but they may lack the accuracy of in-person inspections since they rely heavily on algorithms and average market data.
4. With Cash Buyers
Companies like us here at Zapperty offer free online valuations and guaranteed cash offers for homes in any condition. Unlike traditional routes, you won’t get the full market value, as cash buyers prioritise speed and certainty. However, this option is ideal if you want to sell fast, avoid repairs or skip the delays of the open market. Not only will you receive a valuation quickly, but you can actually complete the entire transaction in less than a week.
True Value vs Market Value
It’s important to understand the difference between true value and market value:
- True value reflects your home’s actual condition, size and features. A surveyor’s report is usually the closest measure of this.
- Market value is what buyers are willing to pay at a given time. This can fluctuate based on demand, local competition and wider economic conditions.
There is some overlap between true value and market value, but it’s important to understand the difference. And for sellers, this distinction matters a lot. You might feel your home is worth more based on improvements, but if the market is slow, buyers may not want to pay that price. Knowing both values helps you avoid mispricing and choose the best route to sell, whether through an estate agent or a cash buyer.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a House Valuation?
Most estate agent and cash buyer valuations are completely free. Online tools are also free to use, but while they’re fast, they’re often not as reliable. The only time you’ll need to pay is if you hire a chartered surveyor, where fees usually start from £250. For probate or mortgage purposes, however, a surveyor’s valuation may be required.
Who Can Legally Carry Out a House Valuation?
Estate agents can give informal, free market valuations, but these are not legally binding. Chartered surveyors are the only professionals legally recognised to provide formal valuations for banks, probate and courts. Mortgage lenders may also instruct their own surveyors when you remortgage.
How Long Does a House Valuation Take?
The timescale depends on the method:
- Estate agent valuations are usually booked within a couple of weeks, with results given within 48 hours via a report.
- Surveyor valuations can be arranged quickly, with a full report in a few days.
- Online valuations are instant and available at any time.
- Cash buyer valuations are also quick. Zapperty, for instance, provides a free online valuation and a no-obligation cash offer within days.
Can You Sell Without an Estate Agent?
Yes, you can sell privately or directly to a cash buyer without the need for an estate agent. If you choose a private sale, you’ll need to manage valuations, marketing and legal steps yourself. However, if you want to list your property in the ‘traditional’ way, you will need an estate agent to take care of this for you.
For a hassle-free route, companies like Zapperty offer free valuations, handle the process and provide a guaranteed cash offer. This is often the simplest way to sell if you’re focused on clear timeframes and clarity.
Get Your Home Valued Today
Now that you know how to get a valuation on your house, you can take the steps you need to sell with confidence. From free estate agent visits to professional surveyors and instant online tools, you have multiple options depending on how accurate (or how fast) you need the valuation to be.
Key takeaways:
- You need to understand the difference between true value and market value, as this distinction helps in setting realistic expectations and pricing strategies.
- While estate agent and cash buyer valuations are typically free, chartered surveyors provide the most accurate and legally recognised valuations (for a cost).
- Exploring multiple valuation options helps balance accuracy with market reality, and cash buyers offer a quick sale route for those prioritising speed and simplicity.
If you’re preparing to sell, you should always get more than one valuation to balance accuracy with market reality. And if you’re looking for a quick, stress-free sale, consider getting a free online valuation from Zapperty’s cash house buyers to see how much you could secure today.
