Guide
How much is your property worth?
Whether you’re thinking of selling or just curious, getting an accurate valuation is the first step. Here’s how UK home valuations work, what moves the number, and how to get a figure you can trust.
Three ways to value a UK home
An estate agent valuation is the most practical starting point. A good local agent knows exactly what’s been selling on your street and will value your home for free. Get two or three for a balanced view — and be wary of the one that comes in suspiciously high to win your instruction.
An online estimate gives you an instant ballpark from past sold prices. It’s handy for a rough idea but can’t account for condition or improvements. A RICS valuation from a chartered surveyor is the gold standard — independent, documented, and used where an exact figure matters.
What affects your home’s value
Location does most of the heavy lifting — schools, transport links and the character of the street. After that: the size and number of bedrooms, condition and presentation, any extensions or modernisation, the energy rating, and tenure (freehold versus leasehold, and how many years are left on a lease). Wider market conditions and interest rates set the backdrop.
Getting an accurate figure
Compare recent sold prices for similar homes nearby — not asking prices, which can be optimistic. Tidy and declutter before any valuation so the agent sees the home at its best, and be ready to mention improvements they might miss. Then weigh the valuations against each other rather than taking the highest at face value.
Frequently asked questions
How can I find out what my house is worth?
There are three main routes: a free valuation from a local estate agent, who knows what’s actually selling nearby; an online estimate based on past sold prices; and a formal RICS valuation from a chartered surveyor, which is the most thorough. For most sellers, two or three agent valuations give the clearest picture.
Are online property valuations accurate?
Treat them as a ballpark. Online tools work from past sold prices and broad averages — they can’t see your new kitchen, the work you’ve done, or the condition of the house next door. They’re a useful starting point, but the real figure comes from someone who views the property.
How much does a property valuation cost?
Estate agents usually value your home for free in the hope of winning your business. A formal RICS valuation from a chartered surveyor is paid — typically a few hundred pounds, rising for larger or unusual properties — and is worth it when you need an independent, documented figure.
What’s the difference between a valuation and a survey?
A valuation tells you what a property is worth. A survey tells you about its condition — damp, structural issues, the roof, and so on. They answer different questions, and a buyer will often want both before committing.
Ready for a real valuation?
Woosh connects you with verified local estate agents who can value your home properly — no obligation, no inflated numbers to win your business. Join the early-access list to get matched when we launch.
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