A RICS valuation typically costs around £452 for a property valued at the UK average of £292,000. Prices generally range from £394 to £561, depending on the property's type, size, and location.
While there are different types of property valuations, a RICS Valuation is often seen as the most reliable because surveyors use both local and national data to determine a property's market value.
You’ll need to arrange a RICS Valuation if you’re selling, dealing with legal matters, or repaying a Help to Buy loan.
What is a RICS Valuation?
A RICS Valuation, also known as a Red Book Valuation, is a formal assessment of a property's market value, carried out by a RICS-regulated surveyor. It involves a property inspection and in-depth market research, with the findings set out in a report that follows strict professional standards.
The valuation provides independent, reliable advice to help clients make informed decisions — whether for selling, legal matters, or Help to Buy repayments.
The inspection considers the following:
Size and age of the home
How it was built and the materials it is made from
Number of bedrooms
Location and local government zoning
Recently sold properties in the area
Condition of the home
If the property is leasehold or freehold
Any planning permissions
Added property features such as extensions
Learn more: RICS Valuation Report
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RICS Property Valuation Cost
Below we look at the cost of a RICS valuation based on the property’s value:
| Property Value | Average Cost (£)* |
|---|---|
| Up to £200,000 | £351 to £510 |
| £200,000 to £300,000 | £287 to £469 |
| £300,000 to £400,000 | £260 to £364 |
| £400,000+ | £392 to £505 |
Factors That Affect Valuation Costs
- Commercial or specialist properties often cost more due to the expertise involved.
- Larger homes typically cost more to inspect and value.
- Location affects price - fees are often higher in the South East, or hard-to-reach areas.
- Valuations for legal, probate, or complex cases may cost more.
- If included in a RICS Home Survey, valuation costs rise with the survey level — Level 3 is the most detailed and expensive.
When Do You Need a RICS Valuation?
RICS Valuation Surveys are used for a range of cases. Here are some of the most common scenarios:
Help to Buy and Shared Ownership Properties
Help to Buy and Shared Ownership properties require a RICS Valuation because the shares are sold to the homeowner at the current market value. When selling the home, they pay back the equity loan at a percentage determined by the market rate.
Probate Properties
A RICS Valuation is required as part of the probate application process. Without this, a grant of probate cannot be approved and the property ownership can’t be transferred. The valuation determines how much Inheritance Tax (IHT) is payable on the estate.
Selling a Home
RICS Valuations are the most reliable and it’s highly advised sellers receive one before putting their property on the market. Estate agents offer a valuation as part of their services, but it is not as accurate or thorough as the RICS Valuation Survey.
Buyers Wanting a Second Opinion
Mortgage lenders will arrange a valuation as part of the buying process; however, buyers can opt for a second opinion. This is typically done by adding it to a Level 2 or 3 Home Survey at an extra cost.
Save money on your property valuation
Regulated property surveyors
Used by over 1.5 million movers in the UK
How Much Does A House Valuation Cost?
While RICS Valuations are among the most trusted and widely used, they’re not the only type of property valuation available. The cost and purpose can vary depending on the type of valuation you need.
Here's how the cost of a RICS valuation compares to other options:
| House Valuation | Average Cost (£)* |
|---|---|
| RICS Valuation | £394 to £561 |
| Mortgage Valuation | £150 to £1,500 |
| Estate Agent Valuation | Free |
| Auction House Valuation | Free |
| Online Valuation | Free |
| Help to Buy Valuation | £199 to £300 |
Other Property Valuation Types
Mortgage Valuation
A mortgage valuation is required as part of your mortgage application. Expect lenders to charge between £150 and £1,500.
Estate Agent Valuation
You can use an estate agent valuation to price your home, but it does not provide the same level of expertise or clout. These are free for sellers.
Auction House Valuation
Most auction houses will offer a free valuation if you sell your home with them. If not, they may charge for this service. The cost will be at the individual auction house's discretion.
Online Valuation
Property portals such as Zoopla and Rightmove offer free instant valuations. They are carried out online using recent purchase information from the local area.
Help to Buy Valuation
Help to Buy Valuations determines the equity loan amount you need to repay and is conducted by a RICS-registered valuer. Expect to these to cost between £199 and £300 including VAT*.
Save money on your property valuation
Regulated valuation surveyors
Used by over 1.5 million movers in the UK
Find a Valuation Surveyor
At Compare My Move, we can connect you with up to 6 valuation surveyors and help you save up to 70% on your surveying costs. Simply fill out our free comparison form to get started today.
All our surveying partners have passed a strict verification process. We only work with RICS-regulated surveyors, ensuring they follow the RICS Red Book Valuation, the industry standard for valuations.
*Based on the average service costs for Compare My Move users. See how our data works.
