If you’re planning to sell your property or need an assessment for mortgage purposes, you’re probably wondering, “What happens at a house valuation?” In Scotland, house valuations play a crucial role in the conveyancing process. They help determine your property’s market value, set a realistic asking price or fulfil a mortgage lender’s requirements.
At Watermans, we offer straightforward legal advice tailored to the Scottish property market. For expert help in understanding the house valuation process, trust us to walk you through each step with clarity and support.
Explore our Help & Advice page for expert property valuation guides.
What Is a Property Valuation?
A property valuation is an expert assessment of how much your property is worth in the current market. It’s typically carried out by estate agents or chartered surveyors, depending on the type and purpose of the valuation.
You might receive a desktop valuation, which is a remote estimate based on online data. Or, you could receive a physical visit that evaluates your home’s condition, key features, outdoor space and location.
While desktop valuations are convenient and offer a quick snapshot of the market, they often lack the accuracy and context that comes from seeing the property in person. A physical valuation is more thorough, allowing the valuer to consider the unique features and the property’s overall presentation, which can significantly influence the final assessment. The outcome is often presented in a valuation report, which can influence your asking price, mortgage application or investment decisions.
In Scotland, a property valuation can be included in a home report, which is a legal requirement when marketing your home. The valuation informs prospective buyers and helps mortgage lenders assess risk.
When You Might Need a House Valuation
A home valuation is essential in several situations. It ensures that buyers, sellers and lenders have a realistic and evidence-based understanding of what a property is truly worth. For landlords, a valuation can help determine an appropriate rental price, assess the return on investment, or identify future sale opportunities. You’ll need a home valuation if you’re:
- Planning to sell and need an accurate valuation to attract serious buyers.
- Applying for a mortgage and need a mortgage valuation for your lender.
- Buying a property and want to ensure you’re paying the correct market value.
- Refinancing or remortgaging, and need to confirm the property’s value.
- Dividing property assets following a separation or inheritance.
- Exploring future development, expansion potential or updating building plans.
Whether you’re a first-time seller or a seasoned investor, understanding the property valuation process is key to making informed decisions.
Not sure how to get a house valuation? No worries! Contact us today for a free valuation.
The Property Valuation Process in Scotland
So, how does a house valuation work, and what should you expect during the process? Whether you’re selling, renting, remortgaging or simply curious about your home’s worth, knowing what to expect helps you make informed decisions at every stage. Each type of valuation serves a different purpose, but the overall process remains a stable and valuable tool in understanding where your property stands in today’s market.
With our house valuation guide, we’ll have you fully prepared. Here’s what you can expect from the process.
Book the valuation
You can start with a free valuation by contacting our local estate agents or professional chartered surveyors. Ensure you choose someone familiar with the Scottish property market, including specific conservation areas, local area nuances and market trends.
Preparing for the Visit
First impressions count. Clean, tidy and repair visible issues to show your home in its best light. Your home’s condition greatly affects the valuation outcome. Gather relevant paperwork, such as title deeds, energy certificates, and planning permission, if applicable.
The Assessment
During the visit, the valuer will assess your property in detail, including:
- The property’s size and square footage
- Overall condition
- Unique features such as an en suite, modern kitchen or stained glass windows
- Outdoor spaces like gardens, driveways or patios
- Potential for expansion
- Topography and layout
- Proximity to transport links, schools and amenities
- How your property compares to similar properties in the area
Considering Market Factors
The valuer also takes into account comparable sales, recent sales data, and current market conditions. This helps avoid an inflated valuation and ensures your home is priced in line with the current market value.
Receiving the Valuation Report
You’ll receive a valuation report outlining the estimated value of the property, supporting sales data, and sometimes suggestions for improvements that could increase your property’s value. For mortgage purposes, they may also contact your mortgage lender directly.
Don’t fret about how to get a property valuation. Call us at 0131 555 7055 for expert guidance tailored to your property goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if the home valuation is lower than expected?
If your home is valued below your expectations, don’t panic. It’s common for buyers and sellers to disagree on the price. You might:
- Get a second opinion from another estate agent
- Wait for a more favourable market
- Make improvements to increase your property’s condition
- Challenge the mortgage valuation with additional evidence
A lower valuation isn’t always a setback. In some cases, it can attract more buyers and lead to greater competition, increasing the likelihood of higher offers or a quicker sale.
What can affect the value of my property?
Several key factors influence the value of a property:
- Condition of the property
- Improvements like extensions or new kitchens
- Location and nearby amenities
- Demand in the local area
- Unique features and curb appeal
- Whether you’re in a conservation area
- The size of the property
Why does a conservation area affect my property value?
Being located in a conservation area can significantly impact the value of a property. Homes in these protected zones are often considered more desirable due to their character, historic charm and well-maintained surroundings. As a result, they tend to sell for a premium compared to similar properties outside such areas.
However, it’s worth noting that any external changes or improvements usually require special permissions, which may affect future development plans. For buyers, this means purchasing in a location where architectural integrity is preserved. For sellers, it often translates to strong market appeal and long-term value stability.
How much is a house valuation?
The cost of a home valuation can vary depending on the type and purpose of the valuation. However, Watermans offer a free valuation service for homeowners in Scotland.
Useful Links
Explore related pages to guide your next move:
- Should I sell my house?
- Best places to live in Scotland
- Buying a house checklist
- What can I do to get my house ready for sale?
- What is conveyancing?
- How much is my house worth?
- What is a note of interest?
- Selling your home in Edinburgh
- Selling a home with pets
- Top tips on how to make your home sell faster
Book your free home valuation with Watermans. No obligation, just expert insight.
Watermans: Making House Valuations Stress-Free
At Watermans, we make the house valuation process straightforward and stress-free. With offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee, we offer a client-first service. Our expert team helps you understand the value of your property and plan your next move with confidence.
Our team of trusted property solicitors and valuers offer both legal and estate agency services under one roof. From valuation reports to conveyancing and sale completion, we’re with you every step of the way.
Beyond property valuations, we also offer a range of other services:
Don’t leave your home valuation to guesswork. Let our team assess your property so you can sell, remortgage or plan improvements with confidence.