Help to Buy RICS Valuations
If you purchased your home using a Help to Buy equity loan, you will need a formal valuation when you sell, remortgage or repay part of the loan. A Help to Buy valuation is a specific type of RICS property valuation that provides Homes England with an independent, accurate market value for your property at the point of repayment.
Fife & Kimmitt Surveyors provide Help to Buy valuations across Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, Darlington, Cleveland and the wider North East. Our RICS-registered valuers follow current scheme requirements, so your valuation is accepted first time, helping you avoid delays when selling or refinancing.
Why a Professional Help to Buy RICS Valuation Matters
Homes England and Help to Buy administrators require an independent RICS valuation when an equity loan is repaid in full or in part. Estate agent appraisals and online valuation tools are not regulated valuations and are not normally accepted for Help to Buy purposes. (Online Valuation Tools Vs RICS Valuations)
A RICS Help to Buy valuation from Fife & Kimmitt Surveyors:
- Is carried out by an independent RICS Registered Valuer
- Follows RICS “Red Book” standards and Help to Buy guidance
- Is based on a full inspection and relevant local comparable sales
- States a clear market value and valuation date
- Produces documentation accepted by Homes England, solicitors and lenders
When Do You Need a Help to Buy Valuation?
You will usually need a Help to Buy valuation if you are:
- Selling your Help to Buy property
- Remortgaging and repaying the equity loan
- Staircasing, by repaying part of the loan while staying in the property
- Changing ownership where a Help to Buy loan is still in place
If you’re unsure whether a valuation is required, we’re happy to review your circumstances and confirm what Homes England will need.
Our RICS Help to Buy Valuation Process
We offer a clear, step-by-step Help to Buy valuation service across the North East:
- Initial discussion to confirm your Help to Buy administrator, the purpose of the valuation and timescales
- Fixed-fee quotation with clear turnaround times and no hidden travel costs locally
- Property inspection covering size, layout, condition, location and improvements
- Comparable sales research using relevant local evidence
- Preparation of a formal RICS Help to Buy valuation report
- Follow-up support if your solicitor, lender or Homes England requires clarification
Local RICS Valuation Expertise Across the North East
As a family-run firm of RICS Chartered Surveyors, we have extensive experience providing Help to Buy valuations throughout Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, Darlington, Cleveland and surrounding areas.
We also carry out valuations for Capital Gains Tax, probate and inheritance tax, and other formal purposes, so we understand what different authorities and lenders expect from a compliant RICS valuation report.
What is a Help to Buy valuation?
A Help to Buy valuation is an independent RICS valuation used to calculate how much of your equity loan must be repaid when you sell, remortgage or staircase.
Why can’t I use an estate agent or online valuation?
These are not regulated valuations and are not usually accepted by Homes England. A RICS valuation provides an independent, evidence-based market value.
When should I book my Help to Buy valuation?
Shortly before selling, remortgaging or repaying part of the loan, as valuations are only valid for a limited period.
How long is a Help to Buy valuation valid for?
The validity period is set by Homes England (often a few months). If this expires, an updated valuation may be required.
Do you cover the whole North East?
Yes.We provide Help to Buy valuations across Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, Darlington, Cleveland and nearby areas.
