Types of Property Valuations and Surveys

RICS Homebuyer Survey and Valuation

Suitable for the majority of properties, this is a concise property report highlighting significant defects and advising whether the property purchase price is reasonable.

The Chartered Surveyors will comment on the visual condition and will also advise on legal implications prior to purchase.

Building Surveys (Structural Surveys)

This is a detailed survey suitable for large, very old or unusual properties.

The report will be longer than a homebuyer survey and will comment on each structural element and other factors. Defects are identified and advice given as to the method of repair.

In addition, our Chartered Surveyors can give advice on proposed alterations and improvements.

A property valuation is included, together with an insurance reinstatement figure. The whole report is a bespoke product tailored to the property and the client’s requirements.

Valuation Report

This provides house buyers with the market value of their property.  Property valuations are  not a detailed survey and only notes immediately apparent defects. It is suitable for a variety of purposes:

• Purchase or sale
• Capital Gains Tax
• Inheritance Tax and Probate
• Matrimonial and family
• Part exchange
• Finance and equity release
• Investment

Matrimonial Disputes

In the case of a divorce or separation, business and residential property owned by one (or both) of the parties may have a significant value.

Main legislation for divorce, judicial separation and nullity of marriage can be found in the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973.  The Act has been adapted in order to help the court achieve a  clean break for the parties involved.  The interpretation of the Act placed emphasis on the needs of both parties.  A House of Lords court case in 2000 gave a very significant ruling on the division of property and for this a professional valuation of the property by a Chartered Surveyor is essential. 

The Family Proceedings Rules 1991 provide that the Court must give permission for expert evidence o be given from Chartered Surveyors or similarly qualified people.  The court will only give permission of expert evidence is reasonably required and justified under the rules. 

Manning Stainton Professional Services Director, Michael Andrews FRICS (Chartered Surveyor), has given written expert evidence in many divorce cases where substantial assets were at stake.