Help to Buy Valuation in Selling

A Help to Buy valuation is a specific type of property survey required by the government's Help to Buy scheme administrator. Unlike a standard mortgage valuation, this report must be conducted by a RICS registered valuer and follows strict guidelines set by the government. The valuation determines the current market value of your property, which directly calculates how much equity loan you can repay. Whether you are looking to make a partial repayment, staircase to full ownership, or sell your property, this official valuation is the first step in the process. Our surveyors understand the specific requirements set by Homes England and ensure every report meets their stringent criteria.

The Help to Buy equity loan scheme was designed to help first-time buyers get onto the property ladder by providing an interest-free loan for up to 20% of a new-build property's value (or 40% in London). If you bought your property through this scheme in Selling or elsewhere in Kent, you will eventually need to repay this loan, and the amount you pay is based on the property's market value at the time of repayment. The scheme closed to new applicants in December 2022, but existing homeowners continue to work through their repayment obligations. Our surveyors provide these specific valuations that satisfy the requirements of Homes England (or the relevant authority in Wales).

Help to Buy valuations differ from standard RICS level 2 or level 3 surveys in important ways. While a survey assesses the condition of a property and identifies defects, a Help to Buy valuation focuses purely on establishing the open market value based on comparable sales and current market conditions. However, many homeowners find it useful to understand their property's condition alongside its value, which is why we can arrange a comprehensive survey alongside the valuation if you wish. We can discuss the benefits of combining these services when you book your appointment.

Selling is a charming village located within the Borough of Swale in Kent, situated just outside the market town of Faversham. The village benefits from a peaceful rural setting while remaining within easy reach of local amenities and transport connections. Properties in Selling range from historic cottages to modern family homes, and the village's character significantly influences property values. The average property price in Selling stands at approximately £663,333, reflecting the premium that buyers pay for village living in this part of Kent. The village maintains a strong sense of community with local pubs, churches, and community events that attract buyers seeking a quieter lifestyle.

The broader Faversham area, which encompasses Selling and surrounding villages, has seen varying property price trends in recent years. Recent data shows that average property prices in the ME13 postcode area have experienced slight fluctuations, with some sectors showing growth of around 6.4% in the past year while others have seen modest declines of around 2.1%. This variability underscores the importance of obtaining a professional valuation rather than relying on estimates, as local market conditions can vary significantly even within small geographic areas. Properties on Selling Road, for instance, have seen prices adjust differently compared to the village centre.

Faversham itself has developed a reputation as a desirable commuter hub, with its train station providing regular services to London and the surrounding Kent countryside attracting families and professionals alike. The town's population grew by 7.6% between 2011 and 2021, indicating sustained demand for housing in the area. The local economy benefits from a mix of traditional shops, restaurants, and newer businesses, creating a balanced community that continues to attract new residents. For Help to Buy customers in Selling, these local market dynamics mean that getting an accurate, current valuation is essential for planning your equity loan repayment.

The local construction landscape in Selling and Faversham reflects Kent's traditional building heritage, with many properties built using brick and render finishes typical of the region. Some newer developments in the broader ME13 area have added modern housing stock, though the village itself retains much of its historic character. Understanding these construction differences is part of what makes local valuations more accurate than generic online tools, as our surveyors can account for how different building types perform in the local market.