Shared Ownership Valuation in Burgess Hill (RH15)

A shared ownership valuation is different from a standard mortgage valuation. It must be carried out by a RICS registered valuer and provides an impartial assessment of the property's full market value. This valuation is essential for several reasons - it determines how much your share will cost, calculates the rent on the remaining equity, and ensures you are not overpaying for the property. Housing associations across the RH15 area, including those operating under Clarion Housing Group, Southern Housing Group, and Moat Homes, require this formal valuation before progressing any shared ownership sale. We understand the specific requirements of each housing association and ensure our reports meet their exacting standards.

The RH15 area, particularly Burgess Hill, has seen significant development in recent years with new shared ownership properties becoming available through developments like Wychwood Park and The Croft. Our valuers are familiar with these new build developments and can provide accurate valuations that reflect current market conditions. We understand that shared ownership properties may have specific leasehold terms and costs that need to be factored into your overall assessment. When valuing new build properties, we also consider the help-to-buy scheme rules and any specific leasehold provisions that may affect the valuation.

When we value a shared ownership property in RH15, we consider multiple factors including the property type, size, condition, location, and recent comparable sales in the immediate area. We also account for any leasehold restrictions, service charges, and ground rent obligations that are common with shared ownership properties. Our detailed report satisfies all requirements from mortgage lenders and housing associations alike. We provide clear explanations of how we arrived at our valuation figure, so you understand exactly what you are paying for and how the share calculation works.

Our valuation report includes several key elements that you will need for your shared ownership purchase. We assess the full market value of the property, which determines the cost of your initial equity share. We also evaluate the potential for future staircase opportunities, which is important for buyers planning to increase their share over time. Additionally, we note any specific property features or issues that may affect value, including the condition of the building, any proposed developments in the area, and local environmental factors that buyers should be aware of.

• Full RICS Red Book valuation report
• Market value assessment for your equity share
• Compliance with housing association requirements
• Typical turnaround of 5-7 working days
• Advice on staircase potential
• Clear breakdown of valuation methodology

Burgess Hill and the RH15 postcode area present unique considerations for property valuations. The town sits on Weald Clay geology, which presents a moderate to high shrink-swell risk for foundations. This is particularly relevant for older properties and any property with trees or vegetation nearby. Our valuers are trained to identify potential subsidence indicators and will note any relevant findings in your report. While this does not necessarily affect shared ownership valuations, it is important for buyers to be aware of these local ground conditions. Properties built before 1919 (approximately 10% of the housing stock) may require particularly careful assessment given their age and construction methods.

Flood risk is another consideration in parts of RH15, with surface water flooding occurring in low-lying areas during heavy rainfall. Properties near the River Adur catchment may have a low river flood risk. These factors are considered in our valuations and can affect property values in specific locations. Our local knowledge ensures we account for these environmental factors when assessing market value. If you are considering a property in a known flood risk area, we recommend discussing this with your mortgage lender and ensuring appropriate insurance is in place.

The housing stock in RH15 varies significantly in age and construction. Around 10% of properties pre-date 1919 and may have traditional features that affect their value and condition. A further 15.8% were built between 1919 and 1945, often featuring traditional brick construction with timber roofs. The majority of properties (38.5%) were built between 1945-1980 using cavity wall construction, while newer developments from the 1980s onwards incorporate modern building methods. Understanding these construction differences helps our valuers make accurate assessments and identify any potential defects common to each era of construction.

Common defects in the RH15 area reflect the age and construction of the local housing stock. Older properties may have issues with rising or penetrating damp, timber defects including rot and woodworm, and wear on original features. Properties on clay soils may be susceptible to subsidence or heave if foundations are inadequate or drainage is poor. Our valuers are trained to identify these issues during their inspection and will note any relevant findings in your valuation report, helping you make an informed decision about your shared ownership purchase.

• Weald Clay geology affects some properties
• Surface water flood risk in low-lying areas
• Mix of pre-war and modern housing stock
• Excellent transport links to Brighton and Gatwick
• Growing town with new developments
• Common defects include damp and timber issues