Help to Buy Valuation in B90 3

A Help to Buy valuation involves a RICS registered valuer inspecting your property to assess its current market value. The valuer will examine the property's condition, size, layout, and features, comparing it with similar properties that have recently sold in the B90 3 area. The report must be formatted specifically for Target HCA and include your case number. Our inspection covers all major structural elements, any extensions or alterations you've made, and the overall condition compared to similar properties in the B90 3 postcode. We also check for any issues that might affect value, such as pending planning applications in the area or local environmental factors.

Our Help to Buy valuations in B90 3 start from £350 for standard properties. The exact fee depends on factors such as property type, size, and whether it's a flat or house. Flats typically cost less than houses due to the simpler valuation process. We'll provide you with a fixed quote before booking. For example, a two-bedroom flat in Shirley would cost less than a four-bedroom detached house in the same postcode area, as the inspection and comparable analysis required differs significantly. The fee covers the full RICS Red Book report addressed to Target HCA with all required declarations.

As the property owner, you're responsible for paying for the Help to Buy valuation. This is a mandatory cost when selling your property or remortgaging. However, this cost is typically covered by the sale proceeds when you complete your property sale. Many solicitors can arrange for the valuation fee to be paid from the sale proceeds at completion, meaning you don't need to find the money upfront. We can discuss payment options with you when you book your appointment, including whether you'd prefer to pay immediately or include it as part of your sale costs.

Your Help to Buy valuation is valid for 3 months from the date of the inspection. If your sale hasn't completed within this period, you'll need to commission a new valuation. We recommend timing your valuation to allow sufficient time for the sale process to complete. Given that the average time to sell in B90 is around 100 days, we suggest arranging your valuation when you have accepted an offer and are close to instructing solicitors, rather than earlier in the marketing process. This ensures your valuation remains valid through to completion and avoids the need to pay for a second report.

No, you cannot use a standard mortgage valuation for Help to Buy redemption. The valuation must specifically meet RICS Red Book requirements for equity loan redemption, be addressed to Target HCA, and include your 9-digit case number. It must also confirm the valuer's independence from any estate agent involved in the sale. These specific requirements mean that a standard mortgage valuation, even if conducted by a RICS valuer, will not be accepted by Target HCA for equity loan redemption purposes. You must commission a dedicated Help to Buy valuation to proceed with your sale or remortgage.

If your property value has decreased since you purchased it with the Help to Buy equity loan, you may end up in negative equity - meaning you owe more than the property is worth. In this situation, you still must repay the original loan percentage based on the current market value. Your solicitor will discuss your options, which may include negotiating with Target HCA or exploring other solutions. In the B90 3 area, some streets have seen significant price corrections - for example, B90 3LE is currently 33% down from its 2022 peak - so negative equity is a real possibility for some sellers. However, even in negative equity situations, you can still sell your property and redeem your equity loan, though you may need to contribute additional funds to cover the shortfall.

You'll need to provide your 9-digit HCA case number when booking your Help to Buy valuation in B90 3. This is essential for the report to be addressed correctly to Target HCA. You should also have details of any renovations or extensions you've carried out since purchasing the property, as these may affect its market value. If you've received any notices from the local council regarding the property or the area, such as planning applications or conservation area designations, these should also be highlighted. Our booking form will ask for these details so our valuer can prepare thoroughly before the inspection.

We typically deliver your completed valuation report within 3-5 working days of the property inspection. For urgent cases, we may be able to expedite this process - please speak to our team about your specific timeline. The report will be sent to you digitally via email, with hard copies available on request. We'll also send a copy directly to your solicitor if you provide their details, ensuring everyone involved in your sale or remortgage has the information they need without delay.