How estate agents value your home

29th July 2024

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If you are approaching a move, the first step is to get a property valuation. This will give you an idea of what your home could achieve, help you set a price for sale and enable you to house hunt with an understanding of your potential bank balance.

But how do you get a property valued and what are experts looking at when they decide on a figure? Let us find out…

How to get a property valuation

If you are planning a move and need a property valuation, an estate agent is the perfect person to help. An in-person valuation will give you an accurate figure based on an in-depth appraisal and real understanding of the property.

Arranging a home valuation is simple. Just call or visit your local estate agent and they will schedule a visit.

How much does a house valuation cost?

Nothing! Some companies charge for valuations, but Charters Estate Agents offer this service free of charge with no obligations.

How do estate agents value houses?

When estate agents carry out a property valuation, they consider many things including:

• The price that similar properties recently sold for.
• The budget and requirements of buyers looking in the area.
• The condition of the property market and if this is expected to change soon.
• The property’s location, i.e. nearby amenities, schools and transport links.
• The overall size and number of bedrooms, bathrooms and reception rooms.
• If there is outside space, how much and in what condition.
• The general overall condition of the property, inside and out.
• Utilities and energy rating.
• If there are any notable features e.g. architecture, style, recent renovations, additions such as a conservatory.
• If there is potential to improve the property, e.g. with an extension, loft conversion or modernisation

Is leasehold property worth less?

If a property is being sold as a freehold, the new buyer will own it outright. However, when you buy a leasehold home, you essentially live in it for a specified length of time while the landlord still owns it outright. You may also have to pay ground rent and service charges.

Whether a property is being sold as freehold or leasehold and the time left on the lease will certainly be something an estate agent considers when carrying out valuation of property.

How to boost property value

If you are selling a property and want to boost its value, there are some simple things you can do ahead of a valuation:

• If time is on your side, market in the spring, when more people are property hunting and house prices generally increase.
• Boost kerb appeal by tidying the front of the property: mow grass, weed paving, tidy bins, paint the front door etc. Creating a good first impression will also help when attracting potential buyers.
• Take care of neglected maintenance tasks e.g. replacing cracked tiles, removing mould, cleaning skirting boards.
• Think about repainting (neutral tones are ideal).
• Generally declutter and tidy.
• Ensure the house smells fresh (especially if you smoke or have pets).

Making your home as inviting as possible will only help boost a valuation and make selling easier when you reach that point.

If you are keen to boost your property’s value, talk to your estate agent to see what ideas they have. As local professionals who talk to buyers every day, they are in the perfect position to offer tips and help you make the most from your house sale.

Get in touch

Hopefully you now have an idea of what goes into a house valuation and how estate agents arrive at their figures.

If you are interested in arranging a property valuation with an experienced, trusted estate agent, we are here to help.

The team at your local Charters Estate Agents will be happy to answer any questions or to schedule a valuation at your convenience. Please give us a call or pop into a branch to discuss how we can help.