When Do You Need a Help to Buy Valuation? A Step-by-Step Guide

If you purchased your home using a Help to Buy equity loan, there will come a point when you need an independent valuation. Whether you are selling, remortgaging or repaying part of your loan, Homes England requires a formal Help to Buy valuation carried out by a qualified RICS valuer. 

This valuation determines how much you repay and must follow specific scheme rules. Understanding when you need a Help to Buy valuation and how the process works can help you avoid delays, rejected reports and unnecessary stress. 

What is a Help to Buy valuation? 

A Help to Buy valuation is a RICS property valuation prepared specifically for equity loan redemption purposes. It provides an independent assessment of your home’s current market value, which Homes England then uses to calculate how much of the equity loan you need to repay. 

Unlike an estate agent’s appraisal or an online estimate, a Help to Buy valuation: 

• Is carried out by an independent RICS Registered Valuer 
• Follows RICS Red Book standards 
• Includes a physical inspection of the property 
• Is accepted by Homes England and Help to Buy administrators 

When do you need a Help to Buy valuation? 

You will usually need a Help to Buy valuation in one of the following situations: 

Selling your property 

When you sell a Help to Buy home, the equity loan must be repaid from the sale proceeds. Homes England requires a current RICS valuation to confirm the property’s open market value at the point of sale. 

Repaying the equity loan in full 

If you are remortgaging or paying off the loan without selling, a Help to Buy valuation is required to calculate the redemption figure. 

Staircasing (partial repayment) 

If you choose to repay part of your equity loan while remaining in the property, a valuation is needed to determine the percentage-based repayment amount. 

In all cases, online property valuations and estate agent estimates are not accepted. 

Why an estate agent or online valuation isn’t enough 

Many homeowners assume an estate agent’s market appraisal or an online valuation tool will suffice. Unfortunately, this is not the case for Help to Buy. 

• Estate agent appraisals are marketing tools, not independent valuations 
• Online valuation tools do not involve a physical inspection 
• Neither follows RICS Red Book standards 
• Neither is accepted by Homes England

While online property valuation tools can give a quick estimate for general research, they are not designed for formal purposes such as Help to Buy loan redemption. We explain this in more detail in our guide to online property valuation tools vs RICS valuations. Only a formal RICS Help to Buy valuation meets the scheme’s requirements.

Estate agent appraisals are useful for setting an asking price, but they are not independent valuations and do not follow RICS standards. If you’re unsure of the difference, our article on RICS valuations vs estate agent valuations explains why lenders and schemes like Help to Buy insist on a formal RICS report.

Step-by-step: how the Help to Buy valuation process works 

Check who administers your loan 

Most equity loans are administered by Homes England. Review your Help to Buy documents to confirm the requirements and valuation timescales. 

Instruct a local RICS Registered Valuer 

Choose a surveyor who regularly undertakes Help to Buy valuations and is independent of any estate agent involved in the sale. Using a local firm familiar with North East property markets is a major advantage. 

Fife & Kimmitt Surveyors cover Durham, Darlington, Newcastle, Sunderland and the wider North East. 

Book the inspection 

Once instructed, the valuer will: 

• Confirm the fee 
• Arrange a convenient inspection date 
• Explain what the valuation will include and how long it will take 

Property inspection 

The surveyor will visit your home to assess: 

• Size, layout and accommodation 
• Condition and any improvements 
• Location and market appeal 
• Any defects affecting value 

The inspection is focused and efficient, designed to gather the evidence needed for an accurate valuation. 

Comparable sales research 

After the visit, the valuer researches recent local sales of similar properties. Local knowledge is essential here, especially in areas where values vary from street to street. 

RICS valuation report issued 

You receive a formal report confirming: 

• The current market value 
• Compliance with Help to Buy requirements 
• The valuer’s independence and RICS registration 

You then submit this report to Homes England or your loan administrator. 

Equity loan repayment calculated 

Homes England uses the valuation to calculate how much you owe. The valuation is usually valid for a limited period, giving you time to complete the sale, remortgage or repayment. 

What makes a Help to Buy valuation compliant? 

To be accepted, the valuation must: 

• Be carried out by a RICS Registered Valuer 
• Be completely independent 
• Include an internal inspection 
• Provide a full market valuation 
• Be supported by comparable sales evidence 
• Clearly reference Help to Buy requirements 

Using an experienced local firm reduces the risk of delays or rejected reports. 

Why local North East expertise matters 

Property values in the North East can vary significantly between towns, neighbourhoods and even individual streets. A local RICS surveyor understands how condition, demand and location affect value in areas such as Durham, Newcastle, Sunderland and Darlington. 

This local insight helps ensure your Help to Buy valuation is realistic, evidence-based and compliant the first time. 

Next steps: getting your Help to Buy valuation 

If you’re planning to sell, remortgage or staircase, it’s wise to arrange your Help to Buy valuation early. A local RICS valuer can explain the process, confirm timescales and provide a clear fee quote so you know exactly what to expect. 

Contact Fife & Kimmitt Surveyors to request a Help to Buy valuation from experienced RICS Registered Valuers serving the North East of England. 

FAQs: Help to Buy Valuation