Accurate valuations, comprehensive surveys, all backed by RICS.
Accurate valuations, comprehensive surveys, all backed by RICS.
Property is likely to be one of your most valuable assets, so it is essential that you understand what you’re buying and what it’s worth.
We can advise on and conduct a wide range of RICS-backed valuations and surveys to ensure you have the best information available about your property.
Whether you are looking to mortgage or re-mortgage, need a valuation due to a land or matrimonial dispute or want to agree a fair value between tenant and landlord, we are here to help.
Don’t worry: you won’t be the first (or last) to ask. The range of surveys can seem confusing but they actually have very clear parameters and provide different levels of information and, as a consequence, reassurance.
The most common are a Building Survey, Homebuyer Survey or a Standard Valuation Report.
If you require more information or advise, then please contact us on 029 2037 0100 or email surveys@seelandco.com. You can also contact us online:
A Building Survey (formerly called a Structural Survey) is a bespoke service suitable for all residential and commercial properties; this survey will give you full details of a properties construction and condition.This type of survey is preferable if for example the property is unusually built, is in an extremely poor condition, has been significantly altered or if a major conversion or renovation of the property is planned.
It details technical information on materials and construction, as well as details of any defects be it significant or insignificant found to be present at the property and will advise on what measures/actions or specialist assistance that will be required to put right.
The RICS Homebuyer survey includes an inspection of the property to enable a report and opinion of value to be provided.The report is produced in a standardised format, which has been produced via the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
This type of survey would be ideal for houses, bungalows and flats that are of a traditional type and construction; and are considered to be in a reasonable condition. It identifies what the surveyor considers to be the most important issues. By applying condition ratings to elements of the building, the services and any garages and permanent outbuildings, the surveyor will tell you whether defects are serious or urgent.
It also includes the surveyor’s opinion of the market value and reinstatement cost (which you will need for insurance purposes). It focuses on matters that in the surveyor’s opinion, may affect the value of the property if they are not dealt with.
A more detailed description of this service is available on the RICS website www.RICS.org
This type of report is more basic and comments on the size, location, value and reinstatement cost.It would be used by mortgage lenders, but you must also ensure that your lender will accept this valuation for lending purposes, as some lenders do prefer to use their own surveyors.
This type of report would also be useful for someone wishing to obtain an accurate valuation of their property assets for example, updating their own personal financial accounts or property portfolios.
We offer a whole host of property valuation services and products, each best suited to a particular need.
Here is a list and description of the main ones, but if you are still confused or unsure, just give us a call on 029 2037 0100 or email valuations@seelandco.com
This type of report is extremely basic, it comments on the size, location, value and reinstatement cost.
In the majority of cases, it would be used by mortgage lenders; however you will need to ensure that your lender will accept this valuation in respect of lending purposes, as some lenders do prefer to use their own Surveyors.
In cases of divorce and separation, it is usually necessary for matrimonial houses or shared property to be valued to decide how the assets will be shared.
Many matrimonial valuations are carried out by a qualified surveyor appointed by both parties in the divorce, with an independent valuation report provided for the court.
Where a person dies leaving property, it is a legal requirement that the Executor of the estate has the property valued, as at the date of death, before a Probate Certificate can be issued, which will then been used to calculate inheritance tax.
The solicitor acting on behalf of the estate will request that any property is valued by a Chartered Surveyor to ascertain its value. We have a vast amount of experience in this field and will be able to provide you with a fast and efficient service in what is a very stressful and upsetting time.
It is important that your residential and commercial property is valued correctly, especially if it has been renovated, extended or refurbished in any way, as these changes will need to be taken into account when calculating that your property is adequately insured.
We can carry out this valuation to ensure you are fully insured.
Leaseholders of houses have a legal right under the Leasehold Reform Act 1967 to buy the freehold of their houses, if they meet certain quality criteria.
Alternatively they can negotiate to purchase the freehold by mutual agreement outside the provision of the 1967 Act.
We have experience and can help.
Buying the Freehold in a residential block adds value to your flat and gives you more control.
You can, together with other leaseholders in the building, group together and go through a process of ‘collective enfranchisement’. This just means you can, by law, force the landlord to sell the freehold to you, provided you comply with the requirements.
If your flat is leasehold it is important you know the amount of time left on the Lease, as short lease terms, those below 80 years, can affect the value of the property as well as a potential for a buyer to secure a mortgage on it.
The 1993 Leasehold Reform Act allows most leaseholders to extend their leases by up to 90 years, which will potentially improve the value of the property.
We can carry out a valuation of your property and establish the likely cost of extending the lease and then serve notice on the freeholder.