Help to Buy Valuation in Catwick

Help to Buy equity loans were designed to help first-time buyers get onto the property ladder, and they have been particularly popular in the East Riding of Yorkshire where property prices have risen significantly over the past five years. The scheme allowed buyers to purchase a new-build property with just a 5% deposit, with the government providing an equity loan of up to 20% (or 40% in London). However, when you come to redeem this loan or remortgage, you must obtain an independent valuation from a RICS-regulated surveyor to determine the current market value and calculate your repayment amount.

Catwick is a small rural village with a population of approximately 145 residents across 60 households, situated in the East Riding of Yorkshire. The village has seen relatively limited property sales activity in recent years, with only 3 transactions in the last 12 months. This low transaction volume means that finding comparable sales for your valuation can be challenging, making the expertise of a local RICS valuer invaluable. Our team will draw on knowledge of the local market, including recent sales in nearby villages such as Brandesburton, Leconfield, and Skirlaugh, to ensure your valuation reflects current market conditions accurately.

The East Riding of Yorkshire housing market has shown resilience over the past five years, with prices increasing by 20.8% despite a slight dip of 0.8% in the last 12 months. This growth has been driven by demand for properties in rural villages like Catwick, where buyers seek a quieter lifestyle while still maintaining access to larger towns such as Beverley and Hull. Properties in Catwick predominantly consist of detached and semi-detached homes, with traditional brick construction being common throughout the area.

Residents of Catwick typically commute to nearby towns for employment, with Beverley, Hull, and Hornsea providing the main job markets. The local economy is primarily agricultural, with several farms in the surrounding area. This rural character contributes to the property types available in the village, which tend to be family homes with gardens rather than the apartment-style housing found in larger towns.

• RICS Red Book compliant valuation
• Accepted by Homes England
• Valid for 3 months
• Includes local comparable sales

Properties in Catwick reflect the traditional character of the East Riding of Yorkshire, with a housing stock predominantly consisting of detached and semi-detached homes built using traditional brick construction. Red brick is the most common building material, with many properties featuring solid brick walls dating back to the pre-1919 period. The village includes historic cottages and farmhouses alongside properties built in the post-war period and more recent decades. More modern properties typically incorporate cavity wall construction, which offers improved thermal efficiency and moisture resistance compared to the solid walls found in older buildings.

The variety in construction age and style means that properties in Catwick may present different defect profiles depending on their age and build type. Older properties may exhibit signs of wear such as rising damp, deteriorating brickwork, or timber defects including rot and woodworm infestation. Properties built before 1919 often have solid walls without cavity insulation, which can result in higher heating costs and potential damp issues. Newer properties, while generally in better structural condition, may have their own considerations such as building regulation compliance and any snagging issues from original construction.

Our valuers are trained to identify the specific defects commonly found in East Riding properties during their inspection. During the valuation, we thoroughly assess the property's condition, noting any visible issues that could affect its market value. This includes checking for signs of structural movement, damp penetration, roof condition, and the overall quality of fixtures and fittings. While this is not a full building survey, our visual inspection provides important information that contributes to the overall valuation and helps homeowners understand their property's condition.

• Traditional brick construction
• Mix of pre-1919 and post-war properties
• Detached and semi-detached predominance
• Cavity wall construction in newer homes

Catwick has identified areas with flood risk, particularly from surface water and local watercourses including the Catwick Drain. When conducting your Help to Buy valuation, our surveyors will consider the property's flood risk as this can significantly impact both the valuation and your buildings insurance premiums. The Environment Agency provides detailed flood risk maps for the Catwick area, and properties near watercourses may require additional enquiries or insurance considerations. If your property is in a flood risk zone, this may affect its appeal to potential buyers and therefore its market value.

The local geology in the East Riding of Yorkshire, including the area around Catwick, consists predominantly of Chalk bedrock with superficial deposits of till (boulder clay) from glacial periods. This clay-rich soil presents a shrink-swell risk, particularly during periods of extreme wet and dry weather. Properties built on shrinkable clay soils can be susceptible to foundation movement, which may affect their long-term value. Our valuers will note any visible signs of subsidence or structural movement during the inspection, including cracks in brickwork or doors that do not close properly.

Catwick contains several notable listed buildings, including St Michael's Church, which holds Grade I listed status. If your Help to Buy property in Catwick is a listed building or is located near to listed structures, there may be additional considerations for your valuation. Listed buildings often have restrictions on alterations and may require specialist insurance, which can affect their market value and appeal to potential buyers. Our valuers understand the implications of listed building status and will factor this into your valuation report.

There are no designated conservation areas specifically identified for Catwick, though individual listed buildings are protected through listed building legislation. Properties in the village may be affected by Article 4 directions if they are within certain distances of listed buildings, which could restrict permitted development rights. Our team is familiar with these considerations and will address them in your valuation where relevant.