RICS compliant valuations for Help to Buy equity loan remortgaging or redemption. Fixed fees from £350.








If you own a Help to Buy property in CH5 3 and want to remortgage, sell, or settle your equity loan, you'll need a specialised RICS valuation. We provide official Help to Buy valuations that meet all Treasury and Homes England requirements across the CH5 3 postcode area, covering the Saltney, Lache and surrounding Chester districts.
Our RICS registered valuers understand the local Chester market intimately. With average property values in CH5 3 at £224,413 and recent price growth of up to 42% in certain sectors, getting an accurate valuation is essential for any planned property transaction involving your Help to Buy equity loan. looking to move to a larger property, downsize, or simply gain freedom from the equity loan arrangement, knowing your property's true market value puts you in control.
The Chester housing market has shown remarkable resilience, with the broader CH5 postcode area seeing prices rise 4% above the 2022 peak of £218,455. This growth means many Help to Buy owners in CH5 3 may have accumulated significant equity since their initial purchase, potentially making now the ideal time to explore remortgaging options or planning your next move.

£224,413
Average House Price (CH5 3)
£355,012
Detached Properties
£246,250
Semi-Detached Properties
£233,300
Terraced Properties
£109,000
Flats
2%
Annual Price Growth (CH5)
30-42%
CH5 3HS Sector Growth
The Help to Buy equity loan scheme has helped thousands of homebuyers in the Chester area get onto the property ladder since its launch. However, when the time comes to remortgage your property, sell your home, or settle your equity loan, you must obtain a specific type of valuation that complies with RICS Red Book standards and Homes England requirements. A standard mortgage valuation is not sufficient for Help to Buy properties, as the valuation must specifically assess the market value of your home for equity loan purposes. This distinction is crucial because the equity loan is calculated as a percentage of your property's current market value, not the original purchase price.
In CH5 3, which covers parts of Chester including the Saltney and Lache areas, property values have shown strong growth. The overall CH5 postcode area has seen prices rise 4% above the 2022 peak of £218,455, with the specific CH5 3HS sector showing particularly strong performance with 42% growth compared to 2023 levels. This means your property's current market value may be significantly higher than when you first purchased it through Help to Buy, making an accurate valuation crucial for understanding your equity position. The strong performance in this sector reflects high demand for family homes in these established Chester suburbs.
Our Help to Buy valuations in CH5 3 are conducted by RICS registered valuers who have extensive experience in the local Chester property market. They understand the specific factors that affect property values in this area, from the proximity to the city centre and its historical heritage to transport links and local school catchment areas. This local expertise ensures you receive an accurate, defensible valuation that meets all regulatory requirements. The valuers are familiar with the various housing developments in the area, from older terraced streets to more modern residential estates.
When you book a Help to Buy valuation with us, you can expect a thorough inspection and comprehensive report that satisfies all parties involved in your transaction. Our valuers will assess your property's condition, measure the internal dimensions, and consider any improvements you've made since purchasing through Help to Buy. This attention to detail ensures your valuation accurately reflects the true worth of your CH5 3 home market.
Source: Homemove Analysis 2024
When you bought your CH5 3 property through Help to Buy, you likely took an equity loan of up to 20% (or 40% in London) from the government. This loan is secured against your property and must be repaid, typically when you sell your home or at the end of the loan term. However, you can also settle your equity loan early through remortgaging to a standard mortgage product, which requires a current market valuation to calculate what you owe. Understanding your equity position is the first step in making informed decisions about your property's future.
The Chester housing market has performed strongly, which means many Help to Buy owners in CH5 3 may find they have built up significant equity. With detached properties averaging £355,012 and semi-detached homes at £246,250, many owners will have seen substantial growth in their property's value since purchase. Understanding your property's current market value is the first step in determining whether now is the right time to remortgage or settle your equity loan. Our valuers will provide a comprehensive RICS valuation that gives you the clarity you need to make informed decisions about your property finances.
One important factor to consider is that your equity loan percentage is tied to your property's original purchase price, not the current market value. This means if your property has increased significantly in value, you may be able to repay a smaller percentage of the current value than you might expect. For example, if you took a 20% equity loan on a £150,000 property, you originally owed £30,000. If that property is now worth £225,000, you still owe £30,000, which represents only 13.3% of the current value. This favourable ratio can make remortgaging more attractive.

Simply select your property type and preferred appointment time using our online booking system, or call our team to arrange a convenient slot for your valuation survey. We'll ask for your property address in CH5 3 and some basic details about the property to ensure we allocate the right valuer for your needs.
Our qualified valuer will attend your CH5 3 property to conduct a thorough inspection, measuring the property and assessing its condition, layout, and any improvements made since purchase. The inspection typically takes 20-45 minutes depending on the property size. We'll photograph key features and note any alterations that might affect the valuation.
Within 3-5 working days of the inspection, you'll receive your official RICS Help to Buy valuation report, compliant with all Homes England requirements and suitable for submission to your lender or Help to Buy agent. The report includes detailed comparable evidence to support the valuation figure and explains the methodology used.
There are several circumstances where you'll need a Help to Buy valuation in CH5 3. The most common reason is when you want to remortgage your property to a standard mortgage product, moving away from your Help to Buy arrangement. Your current mortgage lender will require a valuation to determine how much you can borrow and to assess the loan-to-value ratio, while Help to Buy also need their own valuation to calculate your equity loan repayment figure. This dual requirement means you'll need a valuation that satisfies both parties.
Selling your Help to Buy property is another situation requiring a formal valuation. moving to a new area within Chester or relocating elsewhere, the equity loan must be repaid from the sale proceeds. The valuation ensures the correct repayment amount is calculated, and all parties understand the financial position. Your solicitor will need a copy of the valuation report to complete the transaction, and the sale proceeds will be distributed according to the legal requirements governing equity loans.
Additionally, if you want to staircase (buy out more of your equity loan) or simply understand your current position, a valuation provides the necessary evidence of your property's worth. Staircasing allows you to increase your ownership share by repaying part of the equity loan, which can reduce your monthly payments and give you more ownership of your home. Many owners in the CH5 3 area have used this option as their property values have increased.
that if you've made significant improvements to your CH5 3 property, such as extensions, modernised kitchens or bathrooms, or loft conversions, these may positively influence your valuation. Our experienced valuers will factor in any such improvements during their assessment, potentially increasing your property's market value and giving you more equity to work with. Keep any receipts for improvement work, as these can help support the valuation.
If you're planning to remortgage or sell your Help to Buy property in CH5 3, it's worth obtaining your valuation before approaching lenders or estate agents. Understanding your current market position and equity loan balance helps you make better financial decisions and avoid unexpected costs. Many owners are surprised to discover their property is worth significantly more than they expected, opening up new financial possibilities.
Our team of RICS registered valuers has extensive experience conducting Help to Buy valuations throughout the Chester area, including the CH5 3 postcode. We understand that this process can feel overwhelming, especially if it's your first time dealing with equity loan repayment or remortgaging. That's why we pride ourselves on providing clear, straightforward advice and a professional service that takes the stress out of getting your property valued. Our valuers are happy to explain the process in plain English and answer any questions you may have.
All our valuations comply with RICS Valuation Standards (the Red Book) and meet the specific requirements set out by Homes England for Help to Buy equity loan transactions. This means you can use your valuation report with confidence, knowing it will be accepted by all relevant parties including your lender, Help to Buy agent, and solicitor. We provide competitive fixed fees with no hidden costs, so you know exactly what to expect from the outset. Our fees start from £350 for standard properties in the CH5 3 area.
We also understand that timing is often critical when you're in the process of selling, buying a new property, or coming to the end of a mortgage product. That's why we offer a fast turnaround on all our valuations, with reports typically delivered within 3-5 working days. If you need your report urgently, we can often accommodate faster timescales to keep your transaction moving forward. Simply let us know when booking if you have a specific deadline.

A Help to Buy valuation is a specific type of RICS property valuation required when you want to remortgage, sell, or settle the equity loan on a Help to Buy property. Unlike a standard mortgage valuation, it must comply with Homes England requirements and RICS Red Book standards. You need this valuation because the equity loan is legally tied to your property, and any transaction involving your Help to Buy home requires an official assessment of its current market value. The valuation determines how much you owe on your equity loan and ensures all parties receive an accurate figure for financial planning.
Our Help to Buy valuations in CH5 3 start from £350 for standard properties. The exact fee depends on factors such as property type, size, and complexity. Flats and apartments may be priced differently from houses, and larger properties or those with unusual features may require additional fees. You'll always receive a clear quote before booking, with no hidden charges or unexpected costs. We believe in transparent pricing so you can budget confidently for your valuation.
The on-site inspection typically takes between 20-45 minutes depending on the size and complexity of your property. After the inspection, you'll receive your official valuation report within 3-5 working days. We offer expedited services if you need your report faster, subject to availability. If you have a tight deadline for your remortgage or sale, let us know when booking and we'll do our best to accommodate your timeline.
No, a standard mortgage valuation is not sufficient for Help to Buy transactions. The valuation must specifically be conducted for equity loan purposes and comply with RICS Red Book standards and Homes England requirements. You must obtain a dedicated Help to Buy valuation even if you've recently had a mortgage valuation or survey. This is because the methodology and purpose differ - a Help to Buy valuation determines the amount owed on your equity loan, while a mortgage valuation assesses suitability for lending purposes.
If your CH5 3 property has increased in value, this works in your favour when remortgaging or selling. A higher market value means more equity in your property, potentially allowing you to borrow more or keep more money from the sale after repaying the equity loan. The CH5 3 area has seen strong growth, with some sectors showing increases of up to 42%, so you may be pleasantly surprised by your property's current worth. Even if your property has only increased modestly, this positive equity can open doors to better mortgage deals and financial options.
You'll need to provide proof of ownership (your title deeds or mortgage statements), details of any improvements or extensions made since purchase, and information about the Help to Buy equity loan (your agreement or statements from Homes England). Your valuer will discuss what's needed when you book your appointment. Having these documents ready helps ensure a smooth valuation process and allows the valuer to consider all factors that might affect your property's worth.
If you believe the valuation is inaccurate, you can request a review from your valuer. Provide any evidence supporting your view, such as comparable sales or details of recent renovations. If you still disagree after the review, you can instruct a different RICS valuer for a second opinion, though this would incur additional costs. Our valuers aim to provide accurate, well-evidenced valuations, but we understand that market conditions can sometimes lead to different opinions on value.
When you sell your CH5 3 Help to Buy property, the equity loan must be repaid from the sale proceeds. The repayment amount is calculated as a percentage of the sale price, not the original purchase price. For example, if you took a 20% equity loan and your property sells for £250,000, you would repay £50,000. Any remaining equity after deducting your original mortgage and the equity loan repayment belongs to you. With the strong property values in the Chester area, many owners find they have substantial equity remaining after repayment.
Yes, you can remortgage your Help to Buy property to a different lender, but you'll need a current Help to Buy valuation to calculate your new mortgage requirements. The new lender will want to ensure your income and credit status qualify you for a standard mortgage, and they'll use the valuation to determine the loan-to-value ratio. Once you remortgage to a standard product without government support, you're no longer bound by Help to Buy restrictions, though you still need to repay the equity loan either at that point or when you eventually sell.
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RICS compliant valuations for Help to Buy equity loan remortgaging or redemption. Fixed fees from £350.
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Homemove is a trading name of HM Haus Group Ltd (Company No. 13873779, registered in England & Wales). Homemove Mortgages Ltd (Company No. 15947693) is an Appointed Representative of TMG Direct Limited, trading as TMG Mortgage Network, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 786245). Homemove Mortgages Ltd is entered on the FCA Register as an Appointed Representative (FRN 1022429). You can check registrations at NewRegister or by calling 0800 111 6768.