You can easily find out about your home’s value when you are selling, remortgaging or thinking of moving. A good valuation provides a real estimate of how your property could perform and can enable you to make informed decisions, not based on speculation.
While online house prices are helpful, it’s more than this that is required to gain an accurate property valuation South London people can rely on. Appropriate knowledge of the local market, the condition of the property and the sales of comparable properties will all aid in making an appropriate assessment.
Understand What Influences Your Home’s Market Value
A variety of Victorian terraces, period conversions, modern flats and family houses are to be found in South London. Even properties within the same postcode can have different values.
Buyer demand can be affected by the transport links, proximity to schools, local facilities and access to green space. A house near a train station might be more appealing to some buyers than a house in a residential area. A house valuation in South London based on local market evidence will take these differences into account and not just the general averages of the region.
Prepare Your Property for a Professional Assessment
Here’s how you can prepare your property for a professional assessment:
- Organise Important Property Information
The valuation will be more useful if the surveyor is able to get accurate information about the home. Gather floor plans, information about the property’s age, details of alterations and documents relating to its ownership or tenure.
If you are renting a leasehold flat, it is important to consider the term of the lease, ground rent and service charges.
This information is intended to aid a professional property valuation for selling a house and is useful to the surveyor to better understand factors that can affect the market value.
- Make the Home Accessible and Presentable
No costly improvements are required prior to the valuation. Do note however that rooms, entrances and accessible areas should be accessible for inspection.
Clear away litter where possible, and identify any defects and suggestions for improvement that are not obvious. Be honest with the property’s condition; if there are big problems, there will be unrealistic expectations.
Conclusion
Obtaining a reliable valuation begins with understanding your property’s features, and also with the necessary information ready, and also selecting a professional with an understanding of the local market. With an informed evaluation, you can make informed choices and have realistic expectations.
Call South Surveyors, a group of RICS chartered surveyors based in Beckenham, to talk about how you want to value your home in South London and set up a professional home valuation.
FAQ’s
1. How much does a property valuation cost?
Fees vary according to the property and purpose of valuation and report. Ask for a quote stating what is covered.
2. How long does a professional valuation take?
Inspection time is based on the size and complexity of the property. Additional time may be needed for report preparation.
3. Can I increase my home’s valuation before selling?
While good maintenance and presentation will enhance the appeal to the buyer, the final valuation will also depend on market evidence and the property’s features.
4. Is an estate agent’s valuation the same as a surveyor’s valuation?
Not necessarily. An agent’s appraisal is likely to influence an asking price, and a formal surveyor’s appraisal is likely to be based on professional standards and will give a documented opinion for a particular purpose.
5. How often should I have my property valued?
If you’re thinking of selling, refinancing or taking a financial action based on market value, take into account a new valuation.
