When Do You Need a Property Valuation for Capital Gains Tax?
Find out when you may need a RICS property valuation for Capital Gains Tax, including inherited, gifted, transferred and buy-to-let property.
Guides & news
Guides & news
Plain-English guides to surveys, valuations and buying a home in the North East.
HMRC Probate Valuations: How They’re Reviewed & How to Avoid Issues
Learn how HMRC reviews probate property valuations, common reasons for challenges, and how to avoid costly issues with a RICS-compliant valuation.
Help to Buy Valuation Rejected? Common Reasons & How to Avoid Them
Help to Buy valuation rejected? Learn the most common reasons reports are refused and how to avoid delays with a compliant RICS valuation.
How Much Does a Help to Buy Valuation Cost in 2026?
Discover how much a Help to Buy valuation costs in 2026, what’s included, how long it’s valid, and how to avoid delays in the North East.
How Accurate Are Online Property Valuation Tools Compared to RICS Valuations?
Online property valuation tools can give a rough estimate, but how accurate are they? Compare online valuations vs RICS valuations and find out when you need a professional surveyor.
When Do You Need a Help to Buy Valuation? A Step-by-Step Guide
Find out when you need a Help to Buy valuation, how the process works and why a RICS valuation is required when selling, remortgaging or repaying your equity loan.
RICS Property Valuation Explained | When & Why You Need One
Learn what a RICS property valuation is, when it’s required, and why it’s trusted for probate, tax, Help to Buy and legal purposes across the North East.
RICS Valuation vs Estate Agent Valuation: What’s the Difference in Real Terms?
Learn the difference between a RICS valuation and an estate agent valuation, when each is used, and which is accepted for legal and tax purposes.
First Time Buyer’s guide to property surveys in Sunderland
Buying a home in Sunderland? Discover the most common issues RICS surveyors uncover. From damp and roof defects to movement, and how a Level 2 or Level 3 survey protects your investment.
How to prepare for a property survey in Sunderland : Checklist & Tips
Confused about which property survey to choose in Sunderland? Learn the difference between RICS Level 2 and Level 3 surveys, what they include, and why local RICS surveyors make all the difference.
Common Survey Issues in Sunderland
Buying a home in Sunderland? Discover the most common issues RICS surveyors uncover. From damp and roof defects to movement, and how a Level 2 or Level 3 survey protects your investment.
The Complete Guide to RICS Property Surveys in Sunderland
Confused about which property survey to choose in Sunderland? Learn the difference between RICS Level 2 and Level 3 surveys, what they include, and why local RICS surveyors make all the difference.
How Much Do Property Surveys Cost? Factors That Affect Prices
Discover property survey costs in the UK. Learn what affects surveyor fees and get clear prices from local RICS surveyors in the North East with no hidden costs.
How to Choose the Right Property Survey for Your Needs
Discover which property survey suits your needs. Learn the difference between Level 2, Level 3 & valuations with trusted RICS surveyors in the North East.
The Benefits of Working with Local RICS Surveyors
Discover why working with local RICS surveyors in Sunderland, Durham, and Houghton le Spring gives you better property insights, faster service, and trusted advice.
RICS Property Surveys: Why They Matter for Your Home Purchase
Looking for RICS certified surveyors in Houghton le Spring, Sunderland, Durham, Newcastle ? Fife & Kimmitt provide trusted property surveys & HomeBuyer Reports across the North East.
Bank of England interest rate cut: What it means for your money and mortgage
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Choose the right survey for your home
Three straightforward options, fixed fees, plain-English reports. Not sure which? Try the survey finder — it takes about 20 seconds.
RICS Home Survey — Level 2
from £425 inc. VAT
Best for conventional houses, bungalows and flats in reasonable condition — the classic HomeBuyer report.
- Traffic-light condition ratings for every element
- Highlights damp, movement and urgent defects
- Advice on repairs and ongoing maintenance
- Report typically back within 5 working days
RICS Home Survey — Level 3
from £950 inc. VAT
Best for older, larger, extended or unusual properties — a full structural picture before you commit.
- In-depth inspection of structure and fabric
- Explains defects, their cause and how to fix them
- Ideal before renovation or extension plans
- Follow-up call with your surveyor included
Property Valuations
from £250 inc. VAT
Best when you need a formal, RICS-backed figure — for a mortgage, a sale or probate.
- Mortgage, sale and probate valuations
- Accepted by lenders, solicitors and HMRC
- Grounded in 20+ years of local sales evidence
- Fast turnaround when deadlines are tight