A valuation is a visit from an agent who looks at your home and suggests a realistic asking price or rent. It usually takes about an hour, and it is a good moment to ask every question you have about selling or letting.
What the agent looks at
- The size, layout and number of bedrooms and bathrooms.
- The condition of the home, and any recent work such as a new kitchen, roof or boiler.
- Outside space, parking and how the home is positioned on the street.
- Recent sales and rentals of similar homes nearby, and how many similar homes are on the market now.
How to prepare
- Note the improvements you have made, with rough dates.
- Find any documents you have, such as guarantees, certificates or plans.
- Think about your timing: when you would like to move, and whether you have found your next home.
- Write down your questions about fees, marketing and how viewings will work.
A valuation is an opinion based on the market at that moment, not a guarantee of the final price. It is worth asking each agent to explain the evidence behind their figure.