Help to Buy Valuation in Thurcaston and Cropston

The Help to Buy equity loan scheme was designed to help first-time buyers and home movers purchase a new-build property with just a 5% deposit. The government provided an equity loan of up to 20% (or 40% in London) of the property value, making homeownership more accessible. However, this loan means your property must be formally valued at key milestones throughout your ownership to ensure the equity percentage remains accurate and to facilitate any changes to your financial arrangements.

A Help to Buy valuation differs from a standard mortgage valuation in that it must be conducted by a RICS registered valuer using the Red Book (Valuation Standards) framework. This ensures consistency, transparency and compliance with regulatory requirements. The valuation report will include the Market Value (assuming the property is sold with vacant possession) and, where applicable, the Open Market Value with Vacant Possession (OMVVP) for properties where the equity loan is being repaid or transferred.

In Thurcaston and Cropston, where property values have shown strong growth with prices in Cropston rising 15% year-on-year, obtaining an accurate Help to Buy valuation is essential for homeowners looking to remortgage, release equity, or manage their loan position. Our local chartered surveyors have extensive experience valuing properties across both villages, from modern developments to traditional family homes.

The local property market in Thurcaston and Cropston has been particularly active, with 26 recorded sales in 2024 and 13 sales in 2025 within the parish, averaging £392,654 and £480,718 respectively. This transaction data, combined with our understanding of local market dynamics, enables us to provide valuations that accurately reflect current market conditions and satisfy all Help to Buy administrative requirements.

• Equity loan applications
• Equity release requests
• End of initial loan period
• Remortgaging with Help to Buy
• Part-exchange transactions
• Death of a borrower (transfer to beneficiary)

Depending on your specific circumstances, there are several different types of Help to Buy valuation you may require. An equity release valuation is needed when you wish to increase your equity loan percentage or borrow additional funds against your property. This requires a current market valuation to determine how much equity you can release. For homeowners in Thurcaston, where average prices have reached nearly £404,000, significant equity may have accumulated.

A redemption valuation is required when you wish to repay your Help to Buy equity loan in full or in part. This calculation uses the Open Market Value with Vacant Possession minus the redemption calculation as specified in your Help to Buy contract. With properties in Cropston commanding premium prices, many homeowners may find their property has appreciated substantially since purchase.

A revaluation is simply an update to your property's current market value, which may be needed for administrative purposes or if you are considering future options. Many homeowners in this area benefit from understanding their property's current worth, particularly given the strong 11% annual growth seen in Thurcaston over the past year.

For those remortgaging from Help to Buy to a standard mortgage, we provide comprehensive valuations that satisfy both the Help to Buy requirements and your new lender's requirements. This can streamline the process and potentially reduce costs compared to arranging separate valuations. Our team understands the specific requirements of different lenders operating in the Charnwood area and can ensure your report meets all necessary criteria.

The Help to Buy scheme has been particularly popular in the Charnwood area, with many first-time buyers taking advantage of the equity loan to purchase new-build properties in and around Thurcaston and Cropston. The attractive village locations, combined with good primary schools and easy access to Leicester city centre, have made this area a hotspot for Help to Buy applicants seeking a balance between rural charm and urban convenience.

Properties in this area benefit from the unique character of Leicestershire villages, with some homes dating back to traditional periods and others being modern new-build developments. The presence of listed buildings, such as The Byer in Cropston, a Grade II listed barn conversion, demonstrates the historical character of the area and highlights the importance of having a valuer who understands local property characteristics.

Given the significant price growth experienced in both villages, with Cropston showing particularly strong appreciation, homeowners who purchased through Help to Buy several years ago may find their property value has increased substantially. This appreciation can open doors to various financial options, from remortgaging to a standard mortgage to releasing equity for home improvements or other investments. However, accessing these options requires an accurate, RICS compliant valuation that reflects current market conditions.

Our local expertise means we understand the specific factors that drive property values in Thurcaston and Cropston, from proximity to good schools to the appeal of village amenities. We factor in all these elements when preparing your Help to Buy valuation, ensuring the report accurately represents your property's worth in the current market.