Help to Buy Valuation in Eastling

The Help to Buy equity loan scheme closed to new applicants on 31 October 2022, but thousands of property owners across England still have outstanding equity loans that they need to repay. Whether you are looking to sell your property, remortgage, or simply repay the equity loan portion, a RICS Red Book valuation is the only accepted method for determining how much you owe. The valuation must be carried out by an independent RICS-registered valuer who has physically inspected the property - desktop or drive-by valuations are not acceptable for Help to Buy redemption purposes.

In Eastling, where the housing stock predominantly consists of older traditional properties, getting an accurate valuation is particularly important. Many properties in this area are constructed from traditional materials such as Kentish ragstone, red brick, timber framing, and flint - all of which can affect property values and require a knowledgeable local valuer who understands these construction methods. Our surveyors are familiar with the local area and will consider factors such as the presence of clay soils (which can cause foundation movement), the property's location within the conservation area, and any listed building status when compiling their valuation report. Properties like Eastling Manor House (timber framed with exposed close-studding and plaster infil) and Huntingfield (timber framed with structural red brick) demonstrate the traditional construction methods you will find throughout this village.

The valuation report must be addressed to Homes England and include at least three comparable sales, ideally from within a 2-mile radius of your property and sold within the last 90 days. Our valuers will conduct a thorough inspection of your property, examining all accessible areas, taking measurements, and photographing key features. They will then research recent sales of similar properties in Eastling and the surrounding villages to determine the current market value of 100% of your property. Given that Eastling has only recorded 4 property sales in the last 12 months, our valuers may need to broaden their search to comparable villages in the Swale district while making appropriate adjustments for location, property type, and condition.

• RICS Red Book compliant valuation
• Full physical inspection
• Addressed to Homes England
• Valid for 3 months
• Independent surveyor report

Eastling is a rural village with a distinctive character defined by its historic buildings and traditional Kentish architecture. The village centre contains several listed buildings, including St Mary's Church (Grade I listed), Eastling Manor House, and numerous properties along the main village street constructed from traditional materials. Many homes in Eastling date from the 14th to 19th centuries, featuring timber-framed construction, ragstone walls, and original period features. This older housing stock presents specific challenges for valuation, as each property often has unique characteristics that must be carefully considered. The village also has a Conservation Area which protects the character of the historic core.

The geology of the Eastling area consists predominantly of chalk and clay soils, which can cause shrink-swell movement affecting foundations. This is particularly relevant for older properties that may have shallower foundations than modern standards require. Our valuers will note any signs of structural movement, cracking, or subsidence during their inspection, as these factors can significantly impact both the property's value and the amount repayable on your equity loan. Properties near large trees or those with inadequate drainage are particularly susceptible to foundation issues in clay soils. During periods of extreme wet or dry weather, movement in clay soils can cause significant structural problems that valuers must identify and reflect in their assessment.

Common defects found in properties across Eastling include damp issues (both rising and penetrating damp), timber defects such as rot and woodworm, outdated electrical wiring and plumbing systems, roofing issues including wear and tear and slipped tiles, and lack of modern insulation. Many traditional properties in the village will also have single-glazed windows and solid walls without cavity insulation, which affects energy efficiency and therefore value. Our valuers are experienced in identifying these issues and understanding how they impact the market value of traditional Kentish properties.

The Eastling Conservation Area encompasses much of the village centre, which means many properties are subject to conservation restrictions that can affect their market value and saleability. While listed buildings and conservation status can enhance a property's character and desirability, they also impose obligations on owners regarding maintenance and alterations that require planning permission. Our valuers understand how these designations affect property values in Eastling and will reflect this in their assessment. Additionally, the limited new build activity in the ME13 postcode area means that Help to Buy properties are extremely rare in Eastling itself, with most equity loans in the region being associated with new developments in larger towns nearby.