Help to Buy Valuation in Borough Fen

If you bought your home through the Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme, your property was valued at the time of purchase by a valuer appointed by the scheme administrator. Now, whether you are looking to staircase (buy back a portion of the equity loan), remortgage to a new lender, or sell your property, you will need an up-to-date RICS valuation. This valuation must be carried out by a RICS registered valuer and is a requirement under the terms of your Help to Buy equity loan agreement.

In Borough Fen, where property values have increased significantly over the past decade, getting an accurate valuation is particularly important. Properties in this area have seen a 41.3% increase in value over the last 10 years, with the PE6 7QB postcode showing a 20.7% increase since the last recorded sale in August 2018. These increases mean your property may now be worth considerably more than when you purchased it, which affects both your equity position and any staircase calculations.

The valuation process for Help to Buy properties differs slightly from standard mortgage valuations. We assess your property against current market conditions in Borough Fen and the wider Peterborough area, considering factors such as the local property market, the condition of your property, and any changes to the surrounding area since your original purchase. Our valuers are experienced in assessing properties in the unique Fenland environment, where geological considerations and flood risk factors can influence property values.

The geology of Borough Fen is characterized by clay and alluvial deposits, which we take into account during our valuation process. This clay-rich substrate can affect the shrink-swell behaviour of the ground, potentially impacting foundations over time. Our valuers understand these local ground conditions and how they might influence property values, particularly for older properties and farmhouses that may have deeper foundations or alternative construction methods.

• RICS qualified valuers
• Help to Buy specialist reports
• Market value assessments
• Staircasing calculations
• Remortgage valuations
• Sale valuations

The property market in Borough Fen and the surrounding Peterborough area has shown strong growth in recent years. With an average property value of £280,000 and the PE6 7QB postcode showing values averaging £296,835, properties in this area have performed well. The 41.3% increase in property values over the past decade reflects the broader trend in Peterborough, where house prices increased by 3.2% in the year to December 2025, compared to the national average of 1.7% across England. This growth has been particularly pronounced in the PE6 7QB postcode, where prices have risen 20.7% since the last recorded sale in August 2018.

For Help to Buy property owners, this growth in property values is generally positive news. If your property has increased in value, you may have built up significant equity. This can be particularly beneficial when looking to staircase, as you may be able to repay a smaller percentage of your property's value to reduce your equity loan significantly. However, it also means your valuation must accurately reflect these current market conditions. Our valuers stay up to date with the latest market data to ensure your valuation is based on the most current information available.

The types of properties in Borough Fen are predominantly detached homes and larger farmhouses, reflecting the rural nature of this parish. With no terraced urban-style roads or apartment buildings in the immediate area, properties here tend to be larger family homes with land. This differs significantly from more urban parts of Peterborough and affects both the valuation approach and the comparables we use when assessing your property. The average detached property in Borough Fen commands £435,000, while terraced properties average £204,600.

The limited new build activity in Borough Fen also affects the market. Unlike neighbouring areas such as Eye or Gunthorpe where new developments are underway, Borough Fen remains a very green and open parish with predominantly older farmhouses and rural properties. This scarcity of newbuild stock can influence property values, as buyers seeking modern homes in the area may have limited options. Our valuers understand these local market dynamics and how they impact your property's valuation.

Property owners in Borough Fen should be aware of the specific environmental factors that affect valuations in this area. Being located in the Fens, the area is characterized by low-lying land that is barely above sea level, with extensive waterlogged ditch systems that form part of the drainage network. These factors are considered during the valuation process, as they can influence both the desirability and the insurability of properties in the area.

The clay-rich geology beneath many properties in Borough Fen presents both opportunities and considerations for homeowners. While the alluvial deposits and clay subsoil can provide stable foundations when properly managed, the potential for shrink-swell behaviour in clay soils means that older properties may require particular attention to foundation condition. Our valuers assess these factors as part of their comprehensive evaluation.

Flood risk, while present, is not uniform across the area. Properties in Borough Fen may have varying levels of flood risk depending on their specific location relative to watercourses and drainage channels. Our valuation reports take account of these local factors, ensuring that buyers and lenders have a complete picture of the property's characteristics. We use available flood risk data and our local knowledge to inform each assessment.