Shared Ownership Valuation in Horsham (RH12)

A shared ownership valuation is a specialised assessment required when shared ownership leaseholders want to staircase (purchase additional shares in their property), sell their share on the open market, or remortgage. Unlike standard mortgage valuations, a shared ownership valuation must determine both the full market value of the property and the value of the specific share being sold or purchased. This dual-assessment approach ensures that both the housing association and the leaseholder receive a fair transaction.

In the RH12 area, shared ownership properties are particularly common in new developments such as Highwood, Broadacres, and Horsham Gates. These developments offer various property types from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom houses, with initial shares typically ranging from 25% to 75%. Our valuers understand the specific formulas used to calculate staircasing costs, which involve determining the percentage increase in value relative to the additional share being purchased.

The Horsham housing market benefits from strong demand driven by the town's excellent transport links, including proximity to Gatwick Airport and regular train services to London. Key employers in the area, including those in financial services and pharmaceuticals, support a robust local economy that maintains property values. However, certain local factors can affect valuation outcomes, including the presence of Weald Clay soil with its shrink-swell properties and flood risk areas near the River Arun and its tributaries.

The geology of RH12 presents unique considerations for property valuations. The predominant Weald Clay soil creates a moderate to high shrink-swell risk, meaning the ground can expand significantly during wet periods and contract during dry spells. This movement can affect foundations, particularly in older properties built with shallower footings. Our valuers assess the condition of foundations and look for signs of subsidence or heave when valuing properties in the Horsham area.

Many properties in RH12 were constructed between 1945 and 1980 using brick cavity wall construction with concrete tile roofs, while newer developments post-1980 feature modern brick and block construction. Older properties built before 1945 may have traditional brickwork with timber frames and solid walls, which can present different maintenance considerations. Understanding these construction types helps our valuers accurately assess property condition and potential issues that might affect value.

The conservation areas in Horsham town centre, which falls within RH12, contain listed buildings and properties subject to specific planning restrictions. If your shared ownership property is within or near a conservation area, this can affect its value and the renovation work you may undertake. Our valuers are familiar with the local planning landscape and factor these considerations into their assessments.

Flood risk is another important factor in the RH12 area. While the postcode is inland and has no coastal flood risk, properties near the River Arun, River Stour, or Boldings Brook may face fluvial flooding concerns. Surface water flooding can also occur in urbanised areas during heavy rainfall. Our valuation reports include relevant flood risk information that mortgage lenders and housing associations require.