Shared Ownership Valuation in Kendal

A shared ownership valuation is specifically required when you want to staircase (increase your share), sell your share on the open market, or remortgage your shared ownership property. Unlike standard mortgage valuations, this report determines the full market value of your property and the percentage share that your current equity represents. In Kendal's current market, where property prices have seen adjustment following the 2023 peak of approximately £295,000, obtaining an accurate valuation is essential for making informed decisions about your property. The valuation establishes the baseline figure that housing associations use to calculate staircasing costs or the price at which your share can be marketed to potential buyers.

The valuation process involves a thorough inspection of your property by a RICS qualified surveyor who will assess the property's condition, measure rooms, and photograph key features. Our surveyors are familiar with the various shared ownership developments across Kendal, from the retirement apartments at Alavana Place on Shap Road to the family homes at Nancy Meadows and Meadow Rigg. Following the physical inspection, we research recent sales of comparable properties in the Kendal area, analyse current market trends, and calculate your property's full market value based on empirical data rather than estimates. This comparative analysis draws on actual transaction data from properties of similar type, size, and condition in your immediate locality.

The resulting valuation report provides both the full market value of your property and the valuation of your specific share, which housing associations use to determine staircasing costs or the price at which your share can be sold. Given that Kendal's property market has seen a 13% reduction from its 2023 peak, our valuers ensure all calculations reflect current market conditions, including the impact of new developments in the area such as the 165 homes at Meadow Rigg and the premium properties at Ghyll Manor. We also consider the influence of the ongoing flood defence scheme along the Rivers Kent and Mint, which provides protection for over 1,400 homes and positively affects property values in flood-affected areas of the town.

• Full market value assessment
• Share percentage valuation
• RICS certified report
• Accepted by all UK lenders
• Suitable for staircasing and resales
• Includes property condition rating

Kendal's unique character significantly influences property valuations across the town. The historic core, designated as the Kendal Conservation Area, contains 187 listed buildings including three Grade I and twelve Grade II* listed structures. Properties within or near the conservation area may be subject to additional considerations that can affect both value and marketability, including restrictions on alterations and the requirement for Listed Building Consent for certain works. The predominant use of local limestone, particularly the creamy grey Dalton Formation limestone, gives Kendal properties a distinctive character that our valuers understand and factor into their assessments. This local stone is prized for its durability and aesthetic appeal, with many buyers specifically seeking properties featuring traditional stone elevations.

The geological conditions in Kendal are generally favourable for construction, with the British Geological Survey confirming low shrink-swell risk across most of the area. This is because the clay rocks in Cumbria are older and have been hardened by deep burial, making them less prone to the moisture-related ground movement that affects properties in south-eastern England. However, our surveyors note any specific ground conditions observed during inspections, including the occasional localised subsidence issues reported in areas such as Bellingfield Road, Wattsfield Road, and Stonecross Green following heavy rainfall events. These localized ground movement concerns are considered in our valuations and may be flagged in the report if they could affect the property's long-term structural integrity.

New build developments across Kendal continue to shape the local market, with major schemes including the 143-dwelling proposal at Land West of High Sparrowmire, the 89 homes planned at Brigsteer Road, and the significant 450-home development at Burton Road. These developments, combined with established shared ownership schemes at Alavana Place and Castlestead View, provide our valuers with comprehensive comparable data to support accurate valuations across all property types in the Kendal area. The influx of new housing stock has increased choice for buyers but has also created competitive pressure on existing properties, particularly in the terraced and flat segments of the market where new apartments at Meadow Rigg offer modern alternatives.

Kendal's economy plays a vital role in supporting property values, with the town serving as the main service centre for South Lakeland and providing approximately 17,000 jobs across various sectors. The presence of five strategically important business and employment sites, generating £140 million in GVA annually, ensures sustained demand for housing from working professionals. Excellent transport connectivity via the M6 motorway and Oxenholme Lake District railway station makes Kendal attractive to commuters, while the lower property prices compared to the Lake District core create an accessible entry point for first-time buyers utilizing shared ownership schemes.

When conducting valuations in Kendal, our surveyors frequently encounter issues common to the town's older housing stock. Dampness remains one of the most prevalent problems, often arising from inadequate ventilation in traditionally constructed stone properties, leaking roofs due to displaced slate tiles, or failing damp-proof courses in buildings constructed before modern standards were introduced. The age of many properties in the Kendal conservation area means that original features may have deteriorated over time, and our valuers carefully assess the extent and cause of any damp issues noted during inspection.

Structural movement, manifesting as cracking in walls or gaps where walls meet floors, can occur in properties of various ages. While Kendal's geology generally presents low shrink-swell risk compared to southern England, our surveyors have identified localized subsidence in specific areas following periods of heavy rainfall. The clay-rich soils in certain locations can experience volume changes when saturated, particularly where drainage systems are overwhelmed during extreme weather events. We note any signs of structural movement in our valuation reports, as lenders require this information before approving mortgage or remortgage applications.

Roof problems are particularly common given Kendal's exposure to Lake District weather systems. Issues we regularly identify include displaced or slipped tiles on slate roofs, deterioration of flat roof coverings, poor ventilation leading to condensation in roof spaces, and deterioration of lead flashings around chimneys and dormer windows. Many traditional properties also have timber sash windows that require ongoing maintenance, and we frequently note examples of windows that have been poorly replaced with uPVC units that don't match the character of the original building. These defects are documented in our valuation reports and can influence the final valuation figure if significant remedial work is required.