RICS Red Book valuations for remortgaging, staircasing or selling your Help to Buy property








If you own a Help to Buy property in E15 2 (Stratford High Street) and need to remortgage, staircase or sell, you will need a RICS Red Book valuation carried out by a registered valuer. This is a mandatory requirement from Target HCA (the Homes and Communities Agency) who administer the equity loan. Our team of RICS-registered valuers operate throughout Stratford and the surrounding E15 postcode, providing official valuations that meet all the specific requirements for Help to Buy redemption.
The E15 2 area has seen significant transformation over recent years, with numerous new developments including Icona Point on Warton Road, Sky View Tower on High Street and Burford Wharf Apartments on Cam Road coming to market. Property values in this part of East London have experienced some adjustment, with the average property price in E15 2 currently sitting at £416,206. Whether you own a modern apartment in one of these developments or a property along Stratford High Street, our valuers have extensive local knowledge of the area and the specific factors that affect property values here.
The Stratford area offers excellent connectivity with Stratford station serving the Central Line, Jubilee Line, DLR, London Overground and TfL Rail, making it a prime location for commuters. Westfield Stratford City provides extensive retail and leisure facilities, while the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park offers outstanding green spaces and recreational amenities. These location factors significantly influence property values in E15 2 and are carefully considered in our valuations. Our valuers understand how the regeneration of this area following the 2012 Olympics continues to shape the local property market and impact values across different property types.

£416,206
Average Property Price
£6,250
Price Per Sq Metre
189
Recent Sales (24 months)
-5.5%
Annual Price Change
When you took out your Help to Buy equity loan, you agreed to specific terms regarding how you can repay or transfer the loan. Whether you are looking to remortgage to a new lender, staircase (buy additional shares in your property), or sell your home, Target HCA requires an independent RICS Red Book valuation. This is not a basic valuation or automated estimate - it must be a full inspection carried out by a RICS-registered valuer who is independent of any estate agent or mortgage broker involved in your transaction.
Our inspectors in the E15 2 area understand the local market dynamics that affect property values in Stratford. We consider factors such as the proximity to Westfield Stratford City, transport links via Stratford station (serving Central, Jubilee lines, DLR, London Overground and TfL Rail), and the ongoing development activity in and around the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. These location factors, combined with the condition and specification of your property, form the basis of our valuation assessment. We have first-hand experience valuing properties across all the major developments in this postcode sector and understand how factors like leasehold terms, service charges and building height can influence value.
The RICS Red Book valuation report for Help to Buy purposes must be addressed to Target HCA and must include at least three comparable sales, ideally from within a 2-mile radius and sold within the last six months. Our valuers have access to comprehensive sales data for the E15 2 area and surrounding postcodes, ensuring your valuation is based on relevant and up-to-date market evidence. We regularly monitor transactions at developments including Sky View Tower, Icona Point, Britten Court and Legacy Wharf to ensure our comparables are current and relevant. This local market knowledge is essential for accurate valuations in a postcode area where new build and modern properties dominate the housing stock.
A Help to Buy valuation is different from a standard mortgage valuation. The equity loan administrator (Target HCA) has specific requirements that must be met for your redemption, staircasing or remortgage to proceed. If the valuation does not meet their strict criteria, it will be rejected, causing delays and additional costs. Using a valuer unfamiliar with Help to Buy requirements may result in a valuation that fails to meet Target HCA standards, potentially setting back your transaction by several weeks.
Our RICS-registered valuers in E15 2 have experience valuing properties across all the major new build developments in the area. From flats in Sky View Tower on High Street to apartments in Icona Point on Warton Road, we understand the construction methods, specification levels and market positioning of these developments. This local expertise ensures your valuation report is accurate, comprehensive and meets all Target HCA requirements. We are familiar with the specific characteristics of each development, including the number of units, parking provisions, communal facilities and any cladding or building safety considerations that may affect value.
The current market conditions in E15 2 require careful analysis. With prices having fallen approximately 5.5% over the last twelve months, accurate valuations are more important than ever for homeowners looking to remortgage or staircase. Our valuers understand that properties in this area can vary significantly in value depending on their specific location within a development, floor level, orientation and specification. We take all these factors into account to provide a valuation that truly reflects your property's market position trading conditions.

Source: Land Registry 2024
Choose your E15 2 property type and select a convenient appointment time. Our online booking system shows available slots across the Stratford area. You can book 7 days a week, and we'll confirm your appointment within hours.
Our RICS-registered valuer visits your property to assess its condition, size, specification and overall market value. The inspection typically takes 30-60 minutes depending on property size. We examine all accessible areas including rooms, kitchen, bathroom and communal spaces if applicable.
We prepare your official valuation report addressed to Target HCA, including comparable sales evidence and all required certification. This report is valid for three months. Our valuers use at least three comparable sales from within the local area to support the valuation figure.
Your completed valuation report is sent to you via email, with a hard copy posted if required. You can then proceed with your remortgage, staircasing or sale. We aim to deliver your report within 3-5 working days of the inspection.
Your Help to Buy valuation MUST be carried out by a RICS-registered valuer and MUST be a full inspection (not a desktop or drive-by valuation). The report must be addressed to Target HCA and include at least three comparable sales. Using a valuer who is not familiar with Help to Buy requirements may result in a rejected valuation, causing significant delays to your transaction.
The Stratford area (E15 2) has undergone massive transformation since the 2012 Olympic Games, with the regeneration creating a thriving residential neighbourhood with excellent amenities. The average property price in E15 2 stands at £416,206, with prices per square metre averaging around £6,250. However, the market has seen some adjustment in recent years, with prices falling approximately 5.5% over the last twelve months. This follows a broader trend across East London as the post-Olympic boom stabilises and buyer preferences shift following the pandemic period.
This market context is important for your Help to Buy valuation. If your property has increased in value since you purchased it, you may be able to staircase (buy out more of the equity loan) or potentially have positive equity upon sale. However, if property values have decreased, you may find yourself in negative equity or with limited options for remortgaging. Our valuers will provide an accurate, realistic assessment based on current market conditions. We understand that this can be a stressful situation for homeowners, and we aim to provide clear, straightforward advice alongside our valuation report.
The E15 postcode area saw 271 residential property sales over the last year, with property types ranging from one-bedroom apartments in developments like Legacy Wharf and Sugar House Island to larger family homes. Our valuers understand these local market dynamics and will provide a valuation that reflects the true market value of your specific property type and location within E15 2. We consider factors such as proximity to transport nodes, views, floor level and development amenities when assessing value.
Many properties in E15 2 are located within modern apartment developments that were completed as part of the Stratford regeneration. Properties in developments such as Sky View Tower on High Street, Icona Point on Warton Road, Britten Court on Abbey Lane and Central House were often purchased using Help to Buy, making our valuation service particularly relevant for these addresses. These developments were predominantly built between 2010 and 2020 as part of the Olympic legacy and post-Olympic regeneration of the area.
Our valuers understand the specific characteristics of these modern developments, including factors such as ground rent provisions, leasehold terms, service charges and any cladding or building safety issues that may affect value. We will consider all these factors in your valuation to ensure an accurate assessment that reflects the current market conditions in Stratford. Many of these developments have service charges ranging from £2,000 to £4,000 annually, which can significantly impact overall purchase costs.
Additional developments in E15 2 that we frequently value include Burford Wharf Apartments on Cam Road, Legacy Wharf in the wider Stratford area, Sugar House Island and Stratford Riverside. These developments offer a range of accommodation from studios to three-bedroom apartments, with various amenities including balconies, communal gardens and concierge services. Our valuers have direct experience inspecting properties in each of these developments and understand how their individual characteristics affect market value in the current climate.
When valuing properties in these new build developments, we consider several area-specific factors that are unique to Stratford. These include the impact of the nearby Westfield Stratford City shopping centre on property values, the accessibility of Stratford station and the various transport links, and the ongoing development activity in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park area. Properties with good transport connections and views of the Olympic Park or River Lea tend to command premium values within these developments.
A Help to Buy valuation is a RICS Red Book valuation required by Target HCA when you want to remortgage, staircase (buy additional shares), or sell a property purchased with a Help to Buy equity loan. It must be carried out by a RICS-registered valuer and meet specific requirements, including being a full inspection (not a desktop valuation) and including comparable sales evidence. This valuation is separate from any mortgage valuation your lender may require and has specific requirements set by the equity loan administrator that must be strictly followed for your transaction to proceed.
The cost of a Help to Buy valuation depends on property type and value. Our online booking system provides instant quotes based on your specific property details, whether you own a one-bedroom flat in Sky View Tower or a larger apartment in Icona Point. The valuation fee is a one-off cost that includes the full RICS inspection, report preparation addressed to Target HCA, and our comprehensive market analysis using local comparable sales from the E15 2 area and surrounding Stratford postcodes.
Your RICS Red Book valuation for Help to Buy purposes is valid for three months from the date of the report. This validity period is set by Target HCA and applies to all Help to Buy valuations regardless of location. If your transaction extends beyond this three-month period, you will need to commission a new valuation to meet the current requirements. We recommend planning your valuation to allow sufficient time for your remortgage, staircasing or sale process to complete within the validity window.
If your property value has decreased since purchase, this may affect your ability to staircase or remortgage. Our valuers will provide an accurate current market valuation reflecting the current -5.5% annual price change in E15 2. If you are in negative equity (property worth less than the mortgage plus equity loan), you should seek advice from Target HCA or a financial adviser about your options. In some cases, you may be able to explore alternative routes to exit your Help to Buy agreement, but professional financial advice is essential in these situations.
No. A standard mortgage valuation will not meet Target HCA requirements. You must have a specific RICS Red Book valuation that is addressed to Target HCA and includes the required comparables and certification. This is a separate valuation from any mortgage valuation your lender may require and must meet the specific criteria set out in the RICS Red Book for Help to Buy purposes. Using an incorrect valuation type will result in rejection by Target HCA, causing delays and additional costs to your transaction.
The inspection itself typically takes 30-60 minutes depending on property size. We then prepare your RICS Red Book report, which is usually issued within 3-5 working days of the inspection. In urgent cases, we can often expedite this process to meet tighter deadlines. Our valuers work throughout the Stratford area and can usually offer inspection appointments within a few days of your booking, including weekends for added flexibility.
Our valuers have extensive experience valuing properties in E15 2's new build developments, including Sky View Tower, Icona Point, Britten Court, Burford Wharf Apartments and Legacy Wharf. We understand the local new build market and will use appropriate comparables, including off-plan sales, new build pricing and subsequent resales within the development. We are familiar with the specification levels, service charges and leasehold terms typical of these Stratford developments, which can significantly affect property values.
Several factors specific to E15 2 can affect your property's valuation. These include proximity to Stratford station and the various transport links (Central Line, Jubilee Line, DLR, Overground), proximity to Westfield Stratford City, floor level and aspect within developments, the specific terms of your leasehold including any ground rent escalations, service charge levels, and building safety considerations. Properties near the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park or with views over the River Lea may command premium values. Our valuers assess all these factors when preparing your Help to Buy valuation.
You do not need to vacate your property, but we do need access to all rooms including the kitchen and bathroom. For leasehold properties, we may also need to view communal areas. The valuer will take measurements and photographs of your property as part of the inspection process. If you are not the owner, please ensure you have permission from the freeholder or managing agent for access to any communal areas.
You should provide any documentation relating to your original purchase, including the EPB (Equity Loan Blueprint) from when you first bought the property with Help to Buy. Your mortgage documents and any previous valuation reports can also be helpful. However, our valuers will be able to source the necessary comparable sales evidence from their database. The most important thing is to ensure our valuer has clear access to your property on the agreed appointment date.
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RICS Red Book valuations for remortgaging, staircasing or selling your Help to Buy property
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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.