What is a Mortgage Valuation?

Important: A Mortgage Valuation (sometimes called a Mortgage Valuation Survey) is only Suitable for your Lender!

A  Mortgage Valuation only addresses the Mortgage Lender's basic questions to confirm that the property is suitable security for your mortgage.  It is not a detailed survey or report on the condition of the property.

Your Mortgage Lender is not required to give you a copy of the mortgage valuation. In fact the Lender prohibits the surveyor from discussing the content of the report with you - even though you will usually have paid for it as part of the mortgage application process! 

Some home buyers rely solely on the lender’s mortgage valuation!  However, savvy purchasers follow the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) formal recommendation, and get a HomeBuyer Report or Building Survey before they purchase a property.  There are 2 options of Home Survey and the differences are detailed below:

Which RICS Survey is right for you?

  Mortgage Valuation HomeBuyer Report Building Survey
For a home purchaser looking for a survey of the property  
For a Mortage Lender requiring only a valuation    

Survey benefits

  Mortgage Valuation HomeBuyer Report Building Survey
Identifies possible problems  
Can help you negotiate a better property price  
Tells you the condition of your property  
Helps avoid unexpected costly repairs after you move in  
Easy to understand layout so that you can quickly find the details you need    
Independent valuation to help prevent overpaying for the property    

What the Surveys include

  Mortgage Valuation HomeBuyer Report Building Survey
Report from a RICS Qualified Surveyor
Report on construction and condition of property following visual inspection    
Report on construction and condition of property following visual inspection  
Clear traffic light rating    
Highlights hazards/defects needing urgent attention  
Information for your Conveyancing Solicitor  
Professional advice on reparis and maintenance  
Building reinstatement costs for insurance purposes    
Suitable for properties 1850 to date and standard construction  
Suitable for an older or extensively modified building or one in need of modernisation    

Looking for a HomeBuyer Report or a Building Survey?

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