Most of us, when buying a property, will need a mortgage. The Mortgage lender will require an independent valuation of the property to make a decision to lend. This mortgage valuation report is generally commissioned by the buyer or the buyer’s mortgage provider, prior to exchange of contracts (release of offer) to purchase a property.
The mortgage valuation report is paid for by you, the borrower, but it’s usually solely for the benefit of the mortgage provider although sometimes it can also be for the benefit of the borrower. The lender will have certain minimum requirements in terms of Loan to Value Ratio and the report will confirm that the property is of sufficient value to meet these criteria. The report may not necessarily value the property at the purchase price and if the loan to value ratio is still met, it doesn’t have to.
If you do not need a mortgage, there is no requirement upon you to have a valuation or survey but, given the sums involved, a valuation survey of some sort undertaken by a qualified independent RICS Chartered Surveyor third party would be prudent.
It’s important to know that a valuation report is a basic open market valuation of the property and, whilst it will comment on the general condition of the property, it will not highlight if there are structural issues with the property and if you have any concerns a full survey must be undertaken by a suitably qualified Chartered Surveyor, it is not a Building Survey.
When purchasing an older property it may therefore be worthwhile commissioning your own more detailed valuation survey (ideally undertaken by the same ‘panel valuer’ at the same time as the inspection for the valuation) or a full structural report. You should also make sure that this report is acceptable to the lender and may also be relied upon by you, the purchaser.
For more information, Contact Mortgage Required on 01628 507477 for some initial advice.
See our Valuations and Surveys page for more details.
Related articles:
Download our Free First Time Buyers Guide
Recent posts
A recent study by Boon Brokers where 1,000 people who had used an estate agent over the last year were surveyed, showed that a whopping 52% said they were pressured into using the estate agents’ in-house mortgage broker.
When will mortgage rates fall further?
5 days ago
Analysts are predicting further rate cuts this year, with the next one possibly coming down to 4% when the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee meet on Thursday 7th August 2025.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has shared new changes to mortgage rules with the aim to simplify remortgaging, and encourage competition within the mortgage market.
Lloyds boost lending for first-time buyers
12 days ago
Lloyds Banking Group has jumped on the bandwagon to boost lending for first-time buyers as they allocate an additional £4 billion to help first-time buyers on to the property ladder.
As the Loan to Income (LTI) cap has been increased to 5.5 times income, applicants who fit the First Time Buyer Boost criteria could borrow up to 22% more.
The government is introducing mortgage reforms to boost homeownership, stimulate economic growth, and make the housing market more accessible, especially for first-time buyers.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced the most significant mortgage reforms in over a decade—great news for those dreaming of homeownership.
Nationwide ease criteria for first-time buyers
15 days ago
Nationwide ease their ‘Helping Hand’ mortgage designed to help first-time buyers get onto the property ladder by allowing them to borrow up to six times their income.
Ways to save money over the summer holiday
21 days ago
Keeping the kids entertained over the six-week summer holidays isn’t always easy, especially with the cost-of-living making it even more difficult. Below is a list of fun, inexpensive ideas to do over the break
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published a discussion paper about the future of the mortgage market in a bid to improve access for first -time buyers, self-employed, and those borrowing in retirement.
More information
Trusted by
