RICS Certified Valuers for Equity Loan Requirements








If you're purchasing a new build property in East Down through the Help to Buy equity loan scheme, you will need a qualified valuation to determine the maximum loan amount you can receive. Our RICS registered valuers provide official valuations accepted by Help to Buy agents across England.
The Help to Buy scheme helps first-time buyers purchase new build properties with just a 5% deposit, with the government providing an equity loan of up to 20% (or 40% in London). Our valuers understand the specific requirements of the scheme and will provide the detailed valuation report your lender needs.
East Down, situated in the heart of North Devon, offers a range of new build properties across villages like East Down itself, Parracombe, and the surrounding area. Our local valuers know this market intimately and can provide accurate assessments that meet Help to Buy agent requirements.

£200,000 - £220,000
Average Property Price
3 Active
New Build Developments
£250,000 - £300,000+
Detached Properties
£170,000 - £200,000
Semi-Detached
A Help to Buy valuation differs from a standard mortgage valuation in that it determines the gross purchase price of a new build property, which directly affects the maximum equity loan amount you can receive. The valuation must be carried out by a RICS registered valuer who will inspect the property and compare it against similar recent sales and the developer's asking price.
In East Down and the broader North Devon area, our valuers work across new build sites in towns like Barnstaple, South Molton, and the coastal communities of Woolacombe and Ilfracombe. They understand how these local markets function, including the impact of tourism on property values in coastal areas and the agricultural influence on rural properties. This local knowledge ensures your valuation accurately reflects true market conditions.
The valuation report typically includes a detailed inspection of the property's condition, a market value assessment, and confirmation that the price represents fair market value. This report is submitted directly to your lender and the Help to Buy agent as part of your application process. Our valuers are experienced in assessing everything from modern timber-frame constructions to traditional stone-built cottages that occasionally appear in new developments.
Based on local market data for East Down district
East Down and the surrounding North Devon area have seen steady new build activity in recent years, with developers creating properties suited to families, retirees, and those working remotely from this picturesque part of England. Developments in the region offer a mix of property types from modern townhouses to substantial detached family homes.
Our valuers have extensive experience valuing properties across new build sites in North Devon and understand how to assess them in line with Help to Buy requirements. We ensure your valuation reflects the true market value of the property, helping you secure the correct equity loan amount. Whether your property is on a development near Barnstaple or a smaller site in a village like Bratton Fleming, we have the local knowledge to provide an accurate assessment.

North Devon has become increasingly popular with first-time buyers seeking more affordable property options compared to the South East of England. The area offers excellent value for money while maintaining access to stunning coastline, Exmoor National Park, and good local schools. This makes Help to Buy an attractive option for those looking to get onto the property ladder in this desirable region.
The equity loan scheme is particularly valuable in North Devon where property prices have shown steady growth but remain significantly lower than London and the South East. With average prices in East Down ranging from £200,000 to £220,000, a 20% equity loan of up to £44,000 can make a substantial difference to what buyers can afford. This government support effectively reduces the mortgage required and can help buyers purchase properties that might otherwise be beyond their reach.
Our valuers understand the local market dynamics that affect property values in North Devon. Factors such as proximity to the coast, views over Exmoor, access to the Tarka Line railway, and the popularity of the area with holidaymakers all influence valuations. We take these local factors into account to ensure your valuation is accurate and reflects the true market value of your new build property.
Choose a convenient date and time for your RICS valuation. We'll confirm your appointment within 24 hours and send you all the necessary details including what to expect during the inspection.
Our qualified valuer will visit the property to conduct a thorough inspection, measuring the property and noting its condition, fixtures, and any issues that may affect value. The inspection typically takes 30-60 minutes for a standard residential property.
Within 3-5 working days of the inspection, we'll deliver your official RICS valuation report. This will be sent directly to your lender and Help to Buy agent, meeting all their specific requirements for the equity loan application.
With your valuation in hand, you can proceed with your Help to Buy equity loan application, knowing the loan amount is based on an accurate property assessment. Our team is available to answer any questions you may have about the report.
The Help to Buy equity loan scheme is available in England only. Properties in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales are not eligible for this particular scheme. The scheme is designed specifically to help first-time buyers in England purchase new build properties with government support.
The North Devon property market has shown resilience and steady growth in recent years, with the broader Devon economy benefiting from increased remote working adoption. Property values in the East Down area are influenced by several factors including proximity to the coast, access to good local schools in towns like South Molton and Barnstaple, and the attractiveness of the surrounding countryside.
Geological factors also play a role in property values across East Down and the surrounding area. The geology of North Devon features Devonian geology with areas of slate, sandstone, and limestone, typical of this part of South West England. Properties built on steeper slopes may require additional drainage considerations, and our valuers are familiar with local ground conditions that can affect property values.
Flood risk is an important consideration in parts of North Devon, particularly for properties near the River Taw, River Torridge, or coastal areas susceptible to tidal flooding. Our valuers are familiar with local flood risk maps and will note any relevant concerns in their report. Properties in designated flood zones may require additional insurance or mitigation measures, which can affect their market value.
Conservation considerations also impact the North Devon property market. Several villages in the area have designated Conservation Areas, and properties within these zones may be subject to specific restrictions on alterations. Our valuers understand these local planning considerations and factor them into their assessments.
A Help to Buy valuation is a RICS regulated property valuation required for properties purchased through the equity loan scheme in England. It determines the market value of a new build property, which sets the maximum amount of equity loan you can receive - up to 20% of the property value (or 40% in London). The valuation must be carried out by a RICS registered valuer and the report must meet specific Help to Buy agency requirements.
Help to Buy valuations in East Down and the surrounding North Devon area start from £300 for standard properties. The exact fee depends on factors such as property type, size, and value. We'll provide you with a fixed quote before booking so you know exactly what to expect with no hidden fees.
The physical inspection typically takes 30-60 minutes depending on property size and complexity. The written valuation report is usually delivered within 3-5 working days of the inspection. We understand that Help to Buy applications have tight timescales, so we work to deliver reports promptly without compromising on accuracy.
You can arrange your own RICS valuation through our service, though your lender may also arrange one. Using our service gives you the choice of valuer and often results in faster appointment availability. We can schedule inspections at times convenient for you, including evenings and weekends where available.
If the valuation comes in below the purchase price, the Help to Buy equity loan will be based on the lower valuation figure. This means your maximum loan amount will be calculated using the assessed market value rather than the asking price. You may need to negotiate with the developer or fund the difference yourself, so it's important to be aware of this possibility before proceeding.
No. Help to Buy requires a specific RICS Red Book valuation that meets their scheme requirements. A standard mortgage valuation may not satisfy the Help to Buy agent's criteria, and using the wrong type of valuation could delay or invalidate your application. We provide valuations specifically designed to meet Help to Buy requirements.
Several local factors can influence your valuation in the North Devon area. These include the property's proximity to the coast (which can increase value but also bring flood considerations), views over Exmoor, access to local schools and amenities, and the popularity of the specific village or town. Our valuers have detailed local knowledge of these factors and how they impact property values in East Down and surrounding areas.
A Help to Buy valuation focuses on determining the market value for equity loan purposes, not the condition of the property. While the valuer will note any obvious defects, they won't conduct a thorough structural survey. We recommend considering a RICS Level 2 or Level 3 survey alongside your valuation to understand the property's condition fully, especially for new builds where defects may still exist.
We partner with experienced RICS registered valuers who understand the North Devon property market and the specific requirements of the Help to Buy scheme. Our valuers have local knowledge of new build developments across East Down, Barnstaple, South Molton, and the surrounding area, enabling them to provide accurate, reliable valuations that meet all regulatory requirements.
We offer competitive pricing with no hidden fees, flexible appointment times including weekends, and fast turnaround on reports. Our team guides you through the entire process and ensures your valuation report is delivered on time and meets all Help to Buy agent requirements. We understand the importance of your property purchase and the need for a smooth, efficient valuation process.

From £350
Ideal for conventional properties, provides clear traffic light rating of condition
From £500
Comprehensive structural survey for older or unusual properties
From £80
Energy Performance Certificate required for all properties
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RICS Certified Valuers for Equity Loan Requirements
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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.