Whether you're preparing for a sale valuation, a remortgage, Help to Buy redemption, or a formal RICS appraisal, making the right preparations can have a meaningful impact on the value stated in the report. Here's exactly what to do.
Key Points
A valuer forms their opinion based on comparable evidence — but the property's presentation does influence the process
Fix visible defects before the valuation — damp stains, cracked tiles, broken fixtures all flag negatives
Prepare documents in advance: planning permissions, building regs completion certificates, warranties, and EPC
Highlight improvements made — a concise list of works completed (with dates and costs) helps the valuer justify a higher figure
A RICS valuer is independent — their job is to be accurate, not generous. Preparation helps them see the property at its best.
Room-by-Room Preparation Checklist
🏠 External / Kerb Appeal
Tidy garden, mow lawn, trim hedges
Clear gutters of leaves and debris
Clean windows, doors, and frames
Repair cracked or loose pointing
Clear driveway, pathways, and bins
Touch up exterior paintwork if flaking
🛋️ Living Areas
Declutter — remove excess furniture and boxes
Deep clean carpets and hard floors
Repair visible cracks in plaster
Fix broken light switches, sockets
Ensure all lights work (swap dead bulbs)
Touch up scuffed paintwork
🍳 Kitchen
Deep clean all surfaces, appliances, and cupboards
Re-seal around the sink and worktop if cracked
Fix broken hinges, doors, or drawer runners
Clear worktops as much as possible
Ensure extractor fan works
🚿 Bathrooms
Re-grout and re-seal around bath/shower/basin
Remove visible mould with specialist cleaner
Ensure all taps, flush mechanisms work
Fix dripping taps (suggests plumbing issues)
Ensure extractor fan is operational
🛏️ Bedrooms & Roof Space
Declutter — valuers note room sizes
Ensure loft hatch is accessible
Check loft insulation is visible and adequate
Fix any ceiling stains from past leaks
Ensure doors open and close smoothly
⚡ Services & Safety
Test smoke alarms and CO detectors
Ensure boiler is serviced and has a current certificate
Check radiators heat evenly
Locate stopcock and confirm it works
Ensure consumer unit is accessible
Documents to Have Ready
Having paperwork to hand helps the valuer confirm improvements and avoids queries that could delay or reduce the valuation:
Planning permission documents — for any extension, conversion, or structural change
Building regulations completion certificate — confirms works were inspected and signed off
Gas safe certificates — for the boiler and any gas work carried out
Electrical installation certificate (EICR) — particularly if rewiring was done
FENSA or CERTASS certificate — for replacement windows and doors
New boiler warranty or service records
Damp or timber treatment guarantees
EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) — current and unexpired
List of improvements — a simple sheet noting what work was done, when, and approximate cost
What the Valuer Is Actually Looking For
A RICS valuer primarily uses comparable sales evidence to assess value — recent sales of similar properties nearby. However, they also note the condition of the subject property, which affects the value relative to comparables. Key factors include:
📐
Accommodation and layout — number of bedrooms, reception rooms, bathrooms; layout usability; gross internal area (GIA)
🔧
Condition and maintenance — is the property well-maintained? Are there visible defects that would deter a buyer or require immediate expenditure?
🌿
Garden and outdoor space — size, aspect, usability, garage/parking, outbuildings
🏗️
Improvements and extensions — kitchen extensions, loft conversions, added bathrooms — all add measurable value when properly permitted
⚡
Energy efficiency — a high EPC rating (A or B) has become an increasingly significant value factor as buyers factor in energy bills
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I redecorate before a valuation?
Fresh neutral decoration does present well and removes obvious red flags (stained walls, scuffed paintwork). However, full redecoration rarely adds as much as it costs. Focus on patching, touching up, and deep cleaning rather than full-room redecorations unless the condition is genuinely poor.
Do I need to be present during the valuation?
You don't have to be, but it's usually helpful. Being present allows you to hand the valuer your documents list, highlight recent improvements, and answer any questions. It also means any access issues (locked rooms, outbuildings) are dealt with immediately.
Can I challenge a low valuation?
Yes. If you believe the valuation is too low, gather evidence — 3–5 comparable recent sales of similar properties that achieved higher prices. Present this to the valuer formally, or (for a mortgage valuation) to your lender with a request for review. The valuer is not obliged to change their opinion, but a well-evidenced challenge often succeeds.
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