A house valuation helps you understand what your property could be worth in today’s market. Whether you’re planning to sell, remortgage, or simply want a clearer idea of your home’s value, it’s useful to know how to arrange a house valuation, what will happen during the appointment, and what you can do beforehand to make sure your home shows at its best.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- How to arrange a house valuation (online and in person)
- How much a house valuation costs
- What estate agents look for when valuing a house
- House valuation tips and what to do before a house valuation
- Questions to ask your estate agent on the day
Top House Valuation Tips at a Glance
- Declutter and deep clean so your home feels bright, fresh, and spacious
- Fix small issues like leaking taps, broken handles, or cracked tiles
- Boost kerb appeal (front door, garden, driveway, bins out of sight)
- Gather key paperwork for improvements (planning, warranties, service history)
- Research local sold prices to sense check any valuation you’re given
- Ask more than one estate agent so you can compare valuations and service
How to Arrange a House Valuation (Step-by-Step)
If you’re searching for how to arrange a house valuation, the process is usually straightforward.
Decide what type of valuation you need
The word “valuation” can refer to different services, depending on your situation:
- Estate agent valuation (market appraisal): A pricing estimate to help you set an asking price when selling. This is usually free.
- Mortgage valuation: Arranged by a lender during a mortgage or remortgage. It’s for the lender’s benefit (and is not a survey).
- RICS valuation: A formal valuation carried out by a RICS-regulated surveyor and often used for legal or financial reasons.
- Online valuation: A quick estimate based on local data. Useful as a starting point, but not tailored to your property’s condition.
Book your valuation (online or in person)
Many estate agents offer an online booking form where you can arrange a valuation in minutes. For the most accurate pricing, an in-person valuation is generally best, especially if you’re planning to list your home for sale.
Get 2 to 3 valuations if you’re selling
It’s common to invite two or three local agents to value your home. This helps you compare:
- their suggested price and how they justify it
- fees and contract terms
- marketing approach (photos, listings, buyer database)
- how confident they are about achieving the asking price
Prepare your information
Before the appointment, you’ll usually be asked for basics such as:
- property type and number of bedrooms
- postcode and nearby amenities
- any improvements you’ve made (extensions, loft conversion, new windows)
- whether it’s freehold or leasehold (in case you need a lease extension valuation).
Understand what happens next
After the visit, the agent will usually:
- provide a suggested listing price (sometimes a range)
- explain local market conditions and comparable sold prices
- discuss next steps if you decide to sell (photos, listings, viewings)
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How Much Does a House Valuation Cost?
The cost depends on the type of valuation:
- Estate agent valuations are usually free, as agents hope you’ll choose them to sell your property.
- Mortgage valuations vary depending on the lender and property value. Some lenders include them for free, while others charge a fee.
- RICS valuations are paid for, and the cost depends on the property type and complexity. A registered RICS surveyor is needed for shared ownership valuations and help to buy valuations.
If you’re only selling, a free estate agent valuation is often the simplest starting point. If you need a formal, written valuation, a RICS valuation is usually the appropriate route.
What to do Before a House Valuation (Checklist)
If you want practical guidance on what to do before a house valuation, focus on helping the property look well cared for and avoiding unnecessary red flags.
Before your valuation appointment, aim to:
- Tidy and declutter key rooms so they feel spacious
- Deep clean kitchens, bathrooms, floors, skirting boards, and windows
- Fix minor defects (handles, leaks, squeaky doors, cracked tiles)
- Make sure key areas are accessible (loft hatch, meter, boiler)
- Prepare improvement paperwork and service history
- Note upgrades that may not be obvious, like insulation or rewiring
Preparing Your House for Valuation
There are several things you can do to improve how your home presents during a valuation. These house valuation tips won’t change the local market, but they can help your home show at its best and prevent avoidable value concerns.
Deep Clean
Deep cleaning is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve presentation. Estate agents often take photos as part of a valuation process, and you’ll want your home looking its best.
Focus on:
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Floors, windows, and mirrors
- Skirting boards, door frames, and light switches
Consider a Fresh Coat of Paint
If your décor is very dark, dated, or marked, repainting can make rooms feel brighter and more spacious. Neutral, light tones tend to photograph well and allow buyers to picture themselves in the space.
Fix Minor Repairs
Small issues can create doubt. You might see them as normal wear and tear, but buyers may worry they’re signs of bigger problems.
Prioritise:
- Dripping taps or plumbing leaks
- Cracked tiles and damaged flooring
- Broken bannisters or handrails
- Sticky windows or doors that don’t close properly
Replace the Right Items (and Skip the Rest)
Some replacements are mainly cosmetic, while others can improve buyer confidence.
- Worth considering: fixing broken fittings, replacing very worn flooring, addressing poor ventilation, and ensuring essential features work properly
- Be cautious with: purely decorative upgrades that don’t improve condition or function
Remove Unnecessary Items
Decluttering helps rooms feel bigger and makes it easier for an agent (and later, buyers) to see the space properly.
Remove:
- Excess furniture
- Old boxes and bulky items
- Anything blocking light or walkways
If needed, you can temporarily store items with a storage company or use a house clearance service for larger pieces.
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Gather the Right Information (Documents Checklist)
Agents and valuers may ask about your home’s condition and any work that’s been done. Having paperwork ready can help support your valuation.
Useful documents include:
- Boiler service history and any warranties
- Window installation details (if replaced)
- Electrical or gas certificates (where available)
- Planning permission and Building Regulations sign-off for major works
- Receipts or guarantees for improvements (roof work, damp treatment, insulation)
Research Local Sold Prices (Sense Check Your Valuation)
Your valuation is heavily influenced by what similar homes have sold for nearby and current buyer demand.
Before your appointment, it helps to:
- Check recent sold prices for comparable homes locally
- Note differences (condition, extensions, parking, garden size)
- Look at similar homes currently listed and how long they stay on the market
This makes it easier to understand whether a valuation feels reasonable and gives you confidence when discussing price.
What Do Estate Agents Look at When Valuing a House?
Some of the things an estate agent will look at when valuing your house include:
Comparable Sold Prices and Local Demand
One of the biggest influences is what similar properties have sold for nearby. Agents will compare your home against recent sold prices and consider current buyer demand in your area.
They may also look at:
- Similar homes currently on the market
- Competition at your price bracket
- Whether properties are selling quickly or being reduced
Location and Size of Property
Property size is a key factor. Generally, more square footage can increase value, but layout and usability also matter. Outdoor space can also influence value, especially for families or buyers seeking parking.
Agents consider your proximity to:
- Schools and catchment areas
- Transport links
- Local amenities
Condition of the Property
Agents assess internal and external condition. They look for issues that could lead to renegotiation later, such as damp, cracks, roof condition, and boiler age.
Rooms, Layout, and Outdoor Space
While square footage matters, many buyers still value bedroom count, bathroom count, and overall flow.
Agents will look at:
- Room sizes and how usable the layout feels
- Lofts, basements, conservatories, and garden space
- Whether changes (like merging bedrooms) have reduced the home’s appeal
Any Improvement to the Property
Renovations can increase value, especially when they improve energy efficiency or add space.
Examples include:
- Loft conversions
- Extensions
- Added bathrooms
- Insulation and double glazing
Agents may also consider whether the work has the right paperwork and approvals.
Kerbside Appeal
First impressions matter. Agents consider the front door, roofline, window condition, and garden maintenance.
Simple improvements include:
- Cleaning windows
- Tidying paths and driveways
- Moving bins out of sight
- Repainting a tired front door
What to Expect at a House Valuation Appointment
A valuation appointment typically lasts around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your property size and how many questions you ask.
An estate agent may:
- Walk through your home and take notes
- Ask about improvements and ownership (leasehold/freehold)
- Assess room sizes, layout, and condition
- Take photos (especially if you’re considering listing)
- Discuss likely buyer demand and pricing strategy
You don’t need to accept anything on the spot. It’s fine to take time, compare valuations, and review fees before choosing an agent.
Questions to Ask the Estate Agent
Below are some questions to ask your estate agent when getting your property valued:
- Is my home ready for buyers?
- Any changes I can make to attract more buyers?
- What comparable sold prices are you using to support this valuation?
- Would you list at this price, or do you expect it to sell for less?
- How long will it take to sell?
- What are your fees, and what’s included?
- How will you market my property (photos, listings, buyer database)?
- How do you qualify buyers and handle viewings?
Valuation vs Survey: What’s the Difference?
A valuation (valuation survey) tells you what a property might be worth. A survey tells you what condition it’s in.
A mortgage valuation is not a survey. It is primarily for the lender and won’t usually identify defects like damp, roof problems, or structural issues in detail.
If you’re buying (or selling and want to reduce the risk of renegotiation later), arranging a survey can help you understand the property’s condition before you commit.
Find a Valuation Surveyor
We only work with RICS-regulated surveyors, ensuring they follow the RICS Red Book Valuation, which is the industry standard for valuations. At Compare My Move, we can connect you with up to 5 valuation surveyors and help you save up to 70% on your Home Valuation costs. Simply fill out our surveying comparison form to compare surveyors and get started today. All our surveying partners have passed a strict verification process.
