Help to Buy Valuation Westrill and Starmore

The Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme closed to new applicants towards the end of 2022, but thousands of homeowners who purchased through the scheme still need valuations for repayment or sale. A Help to Buy valuation is different from a standard mortgage valuation - it must be carried out by a RICS-qualified surveyor who is completely independent from any estate agent and must be conducted in accordance with RICS Valuation Global Standards, commonly known as the Red Book. The valuation report must be on company-headed paper, signed by the RICS surveyor, and addressed to Homes England or the relevant administrator.

Our surveyors in Westrill and Starmore understand the local property market in this part of Leicestershire. The area surrounding Westrill and Starmore predominantly features detached and semi-detached properties, with older farmhouses and cottages typical of the rural Leicestershire housing stock. The proximity to Market Harborough and the good transport links to Leicester and Northampton make this an attractive location for buyers seeking a rural lifestyle with reasonable commuting options. These local market conditions are factored into every valuation we produce.

When we value your property, we inspect the inside thoroughly and research comparable properties that are like-for-like in terms of type, size, and age, preferably within a two-mile radius of your property. We provide at least three comparable properties in our report to support our valuation figure. The valuation is valid for three months from the date of production and must be sent to Homes England within five working days of being commissioned. This strict timeline ensures your equity loan repayment process can proceed without unnecessary delays.

• RICS-qualified independent surveyor
• Full internal property inspection
• Minimum three comparable property sales
• Compliant with Red Book standards
• Report sent to Homes England within 5 days
• Valid for 3 months

Westrill and Starmore is a predominantly rural parish with no central settlement, characterised by farmland and scattered properties. The area is home to Stanford Hall, a magnificent Grade I listed country house dating from 1697-1700, which sits within the parish along with its Grade II* listed stables court. These historic buildings showcase the traditional building materials of the area, which typically include brick with ashlar stone dressings. Many of the older properties in the surrounding Leicestershire countryside follow this construction pattern, using local materials that have proven durable over centuries.

The geology of Leicestershire generally includes areas of clay, which can be associated with shrink-swell risk - a consideration that may affect property foundations and structural integrity over time. Our surveyors are aware of these local geological conditions and factor them into their assessment of properties in the Westrill and Starmore area. When inspecting older properties, we pay particular attention to signs of structural movement, cracks, or signs of damp that may relate to these ground conditions.

Flood risk is another consideration for properties in Westrill and Starmore, particularly those near the River Avon which forms part of the parish boundary to the southeast. While the overall flood risk in this rural area is generally low, specific properties close to watercourses should be checked using the Environment Agency's flood risk service. Our surveyors will note any visible signs of previous flooding or water damage during the inspection and reflect this in the valuation if appropriate. This attention to local environmental factors ensures our valuations accurately reflect any risks that could affect property values in this part of Leicestershire.

Properties in Leicestershire, particularly older rural homes in areas like Westrill and Starmore, can suffer from a range of common defects that our surveyors will assess during the valuation process. Dampness is one of the most frequently encountered issues, often caused by poor ventilation, leaking roofs, defective weatherproofing, or failed damp proof courses. Given the age of many properties in this rural parish, with some buildings dating back centuries like Stanford Hall, damp and ventilation issues are particularly relevant. Our surveyors are trained to identify the signs of damp penetration and rising damp that can affect historic brickwork and stone dressings.

Roof damage and structural movement are also common concerns in older Leicestershire properties. This can include cracked walls, tilting chimneys, and signs of subsidence potentially related to the clay soils common in this part of the country. Our surveyors thoroughly inspect all accessible areas of the property, documenting any defects or issues that may affect the market value. The presence of clay soils in Leicestershire means that properties may be susceptible to shrink-swell movement, particularly where trees are close to buildings or where ground conditions have changed over time. We note any cracking patterns or signs of movement that could indicate foundation issues.

Mould and condensation can also be problematic, particularly in older properties that have been modernised without adequate ventilation systems. The Leicestershire climate, with its mix of wet and cold weather throughout the year, can exacerbate these issues. Our valuation reports provide a clear picture of your property's condition, helping you understand any issues that may need addressing before selling or that may affect your equity loan repayment amount. If significant defects are identified, we will reflect these in the valuation to ensure an accurate representation of the property's true market worth.