Most of us buy our home with the aid of a loan. This loan, secured on the title of our home, is known as a mortgage and this mortgage is offered subject to a variety of criteria and tests. Many relate to the borrower’s ability to pay the monthly repayments and their past credit history. However, the loan is also subject to a supporting mortgage valuation.
A mortgage valuation differs from an RICS Homebuyer’s Report or a Full Structural Survey in several important ways, but it is worth considering using the same surveyor for both if you commission one or more.
A Mortgage Valuation must be undertaken by a valuer / surveyor approved by your mortgage lender and as each lender will have an approved ‘panel’ of valuers, it is important that you use someone that is on their panel. Most lenders will appoint a valuer as part of the process.
A Mortgage valuation will include summary notes made by the valuer after a short inspection of the property inside and out. It will make recommendations with regard to further investigations deemed necessary and it will also include an open market valuation and a recommended figure for insurance purposes. A valuer is unlikely to even raise carpets or inspect the loft space. Lenders often don’t share the reports with clients, and some don’t even share the value!
If you are buying a modern property in good condition then it’s probably that a mortgage valuation will be sufficient for your purposes although it’s worth noting that the valuer is simply there to make sure that the home being bought offers sufficient collateral for the loan. The inspection is cursory and it is not meant to be a detail survey.
If you are buying an older property, a property requiring some work or an unusual property then it may be worth employing the services of a surveyor to undertake this more complete appraisal. Most panel valuers can also undertake a more detailed inspection at the same time and it’s worth making sure that if you want a more in depth report you tell the valuer before he inspects. This can save a valuer duplicating his time and thus save you money.
Download our Free First Time Buyers Guide
Recent posts
On Wednesday 28th October, Chancellor John Healey delivered the 2026 Autumn Budget.
We have summarised the key points relating to property and tax.
In September 2026, they extended this to a wider range for those moving home. Eligible homeowners looking to purchase their next property can access the delayed start mortgage, which could help with the overlap between properties, solicitor, removal, and repair costs.
Best UK Mortgage Rates this Week
6 days ago
Here are the lowest fixed mortgage rates of the week, available to first-time buyers, home movers, buy-to-let, and those remortgaging.
Call us for more information: 01628 507477 or email: team@mortgagerequired.com.
What is a Mortgage Stress Test?
8 days ago
A mortgage ‘stress test’ revolves around predicting future ‘affordability’. It is seen by many borrowers as just another hurdle to overcome, but it’s important to understand why it was introduced and who it is meant to protect.
There are several scenarios for a landlord where standard buy-to-let lending isn’t enough for their investment. For more complex properties, ownership structures, or borrowing circumstances, a specialist buy-to-let mortgage may provide options that are not available through mainstream lenders.
Leaseholders to be given extra protection
28 days ago
Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has announced a new measure to protect leaseholders in England and Wales from high fees and poorly regulated property management companies.
New first-time buyer scheme announced by Burnham
28 Sep 2026
Saturday 26th September, Andy Burnham announced a new equity loan scheme called “Your First Home”. The scheme, which will be confirmed at next month’s budget, is aimed at first-time buyers looking to purchase a new-build property from a developer signed up to the scheme.
What Happens to My Mortgage if I Lose My Job?
25 Sep 2026
Losing your job or finding yourself ‘between jobs’ is, unsurprisingly, a stressful place to be. Keeping a cool head and taking action is important.
More information
Trusted by
