How Long Does a House Valuation Take?
You can expect a face-to-face house valuation to last between 15-20 minutes. It could take less time, or a little longer to value your property. This will depend on the size of your house and the number of rooms you have. If there are any unique features to your home, allow more time.
How can you efficiently schedule your house valuation?
The best way to book your property valuation is to arrange an appointment with an estate agent. We would recommend that you:
- Book in advance
- Be flexible with availability
- Clearly communicate with your estate agent
This will ensure that you secure the appointment that is most convenient for you, and establishes a good relationship with your estate agent.
Can I get an instant house valuation?
Haart offers instant estimated online valuations, based on property data for your area, but having an experienced agent visit your home and prepare a valuation of your property is always recommended.
Can I speed up the valuation process?
Once you have made an enquiry for a valuation, most estate agents will try to arrange an appointment as soon as possible, at a time that is convenient for you. This will normally be in the same week that you made the valuation enquiry. If you don’t want to wait a few days until the in-person valuation appointment, you can use an instant valuation tool, but the valuation you receive from this option is always likely to be slightly less accurate.
Don’t rush the valuation
Getting your property accurately valued is also a good opportunity to get more information from the estate agent. It may mean the valuation could take longer, but there could be real benefits and may improve your chances of selling your property at the price you want.
You could ask questions about the need for any home improvements, what fixtures and fittings you are required to leave, where your property will be marketed or the general market conditions for houses in the local area. An extra five or ten minutes in the time it takes for your valuation could make all the difference.
Get the most out of your house valuation
There are a few things you can do to prepare your property before it gets valued. We would recommend a bit of decluttering, cleaning the kitchen and bathroom, and maybe mowing the lawn or tidying up the garden. It will help to give a good impression about the property to the valuer, and make their job easier.
What if I need a valuation urgently?
As we have said, the time frame for a house valuation is normally quite short, and you won’t be waiting long for your valuation to take place. But if there is a reason why you need an urgent valuation, let your estate agent know.
How long does a valuation report take to come back?
It should only take a few days for an estate agent to produce a valuation report. They may even be able to give you a valuation figure verbally at the time of the valuation appointment.
How long is the house valuation for?
Once you have received a valuation report on your home, there is no set time before it expires. The valuation will be applicable for as long as the market conditions remain as they were when the property was valued. This depends on a number of factors, and the housing market can change quickly.
However, it is recommended that the property being valued is placed on the market within three months of the valuation. If your property has been up for sale for a considerable period of time, it is worth getting an up-to-date valuation to ensure you are still offering your property at a realistic price.
Please note that an estate agents’ valuation is different to a mortgage lender’s valuation. A bank or building society will inspect the property to establish if it provides sufficient security for a mortgage loan, and to check that the estate agents’ valuation was accurate. This kind of valuation is not a proper survey. It will not go into detail beyond a visible inspection, but any defects it may have that could affect its value will be noted.
Most lender’s valuations will be valid for six months.
Ready to get your home valued efficiently?
Get expert insights on your property's worth in just 15-20 minutes! Book your free, up to date, no obligation valuation with Haart today.