Shared Ownership Valuation in Alsager

A shared ownership valuation is a RICS regulated assessment of your property's current market value, specifically designed for homes purchased through shared ownership schemes. Unlike a standard mortgage valuation, this report determines the full market value of your property and calculates the monetary value of your share, which is essential for any transaction involving your shared ownership home.

In Alsager, where the average property price sits around £313,250 and the market has seen fluctuations with a -2.7% decline in the most recent year, obtaining an accurate valuation is crucial. looking to buy additional shares through staircasing, sell your share on the open market, or remortgage your portion of the property, our RICS valuers provide the official documentation required by your housing association and mortgage lender.

The valuation process involves a thorough inspection of your property, taking into account its size, condition, location, and the current state of the Alsager housing market. Our valuers consider local factors such as the proximity to good schools, the new developments at Manor Farm, and the availability of amenities in this popular Cheshire East village.

Several housing associations operate in the Alsager area, including Guinness, Jigsaw Homes Group, and Riverside, each with their own specific requirements for valuation reports. Our valuers are familiar with the documentation standards expected by these providers and ensure all reports meet the rigorous RICS professional standards.

• Staircasing (buying more shares)
• Resale of your share
• Remortgaging your share
• Mortgage applications
• Help to Buy assessments

Alsager's housing stock reflects its position within Cheshire East, a region known for diverse geology and a mix of construction methods spanning several decades. Historical properties in the area, particularly those near the Church of Christ and St Mary Magdalene, were traditionally built using sandstone, timber-framed construction with rendered brick infill, and brick with tiled roofs. These older properties often require more detailed assessment during the valuation process, as the materials used can be susceptible to specific defects common to their construction type.

Our valuers are trained to identify issues that commonly affect properties in the Alsager area. Many homes built during the 1950s through to the 1980s in this region suffer from inadequate ventilation, which can lead to dampness and condensation problems. We've encountered numerous cases of penetrating damp, rising damp, and moisture-related issues in properties across the ST7 postcode area, particularly in homes where original ventilation systems have been blocked or removed during renovation works.

The geological characteristics of the Alsager area also warrant specific attention during valuations. The region sits within National Character Area 61, and the land to the west of Alsager contains areas of mossland and relict mossland, which are accumulations of peat developed from fen vegetation. While Alsager itself is not currently subject to flood warnings, the wider Cheshire East area is prone to groundwater flooding after extended periods of wet weather, and surface water flooding has been a concern in certain developments.

Additionally, shrink-swell clays present in the wider region can cause ground movement affecting foundations, particularly in properties with clay-rich soils beneath them. Our valuers inspect for signs of structural movement, including cracks in walls and ceilings, uneven floors, and sticking doors or windows, all of which can impact the property's value and the accuracy of our assessment.

• Damp and condensation issues in post-war properties
• Structural movement from clay soils
• Timber rot in period properties
• Drainage and surface water issues
• Roof damage and missing tiles

Alsager has become an increasingly popular location for shared ownership buyers, particularly those working in nearby Crewe or the wider Cheshire East area. The village offers a good balance of affordability compared to larger towns, with terraced properties averaging around £212,990 and flats at approximately £205,800. These lower entry points make shared ownership an attractive option for first-time buyers in the area.

The local housing market has seen some volatility, with a 35.42% decrease in transaction volumes compared to the previous year, dropping to 192 sales. This reduction in activity makes obtaining an accurate professional valuation even more important, as comparable sales data may be limited. Our valuers have access to comprehensive market data and understand how to value properties in slower market conditions.

Several shared ownership properties are available in the Alsager area, including developments offering 2-bedroom townhouses at 50% share and 3-bedroom end-mews at 70% shared ownership. Properties at Collerick Close and other local developments demonstrate the variety of options available to buyers in this part of Cheshire East. The typical equity share ranges from 25% to 75% of the property's market value, with most homebuyers starting at 20-30%.

When staircasing to a higher share percentage, the cost is calculated based on the current market value of your property. With the Alsager market showing signs of recovery, with prices up 17% on the previous year according to home.co.uk listings data, the value of your initial share may have increased significantly. Our valuation reports provide the accurate figure you need to negotiate any staircase purchase with your housing association.

The new build landscape in Alsager continues to evolve, with several developments either recently completed or in the planning stages. Redrow homes in the area offer Ultrafast broadband access and Eco Electric homes with EPC ratings of B and above, representing the modern standards against which older properties are compared during valuations. These energy-efficient specifications can positively influence valuations of older properties that have undergone similar upgrades.

Barratt Homes offers 2-4 bedroom homes in Alsager, providing fresh comparables for our valuers when assessing shared ownership properties in the village. The Manor Farm development, currently in the planning application stage with proposals for 130 residences on 16 acres of greenfield land, represents future growth that may affect property values in surrounding areas. Our team monitors these developments and incorporates their anticipated impact into our valuations.

For shared ownership properties, the presence of new build developments in the area can work both for and against your valuation. New homes provide recent comparables that may support higher valuations, but they also increase the supply of available properties, which can affect market dynamics. Our valuers carefully balance these factors when producing your report, ensuring the valuation reflects both current market conditions and future potential in the Alsager area.