Shared Ownership Valuation Shere, Guildford

A shared ownership valuation is specifically required when you want to staircase (purchase more shares in your property), sell your share on the open market, or remortgage your shared ownership property. Unlike a standard mortgage valuation, this report must be carried out by a RICS registered valuer and must meet Homes England compliance requirements. Our valuers have extensive experience in the Surrey market and understand how factors unique to Shere affect property values, including the specific characteristics of the local housing stock.

Shere village centre is a designated Conservation Area with a high concentration of listed buildings, including several Grade I structures such as the Church of St James. These heritage considerations significantly impact valuations, as properties within conservation areas often face restrictions on alterations and modifications. Our valuers factor in these considerations when assessing your property, ensuring the valuation reflects both the market value and any encumbrances associated with historic properties. The majority of properties in Shere are detached (52.8%), with semi-detached homes at 23.0%, terraced properties at 16.2%, and flats at just 7.9% of the housing stock.

The local geology also plays a role in property values. Shere sits on Gault Clay, which presents a moderate to high shrink-swell potential that can affect foundations. Properties with shallow foundations near mature trees may show signs of movement, and our valuers consider these structural factors when determining the property's worth. Additionally, properties adjacent to the River Tillingbourne face fluvial flood risk, which is reflected in our assessment of the property's overall condition and marketability. The underlying geology also includes Folkestone Beds (sandstone) and Hythe Beds (sandstone and limestone), which can affect the type of foundation construction found in local properties.

Our valuation reports are accepted by all major housing associations operating in the Surrey region, including Accent Group, A2Dominion, Catalyst (part of The Peabody Group), Orbit Homes, and Guildford Borough Council. This means you can proceed with confidence whether you are dealing with your housing association directly or through a mortgage lender.

• RICS Registered Valuers
• Homes England Compliant Reports
• 5-7 Day Turnaround
• Fixed Fee Pricing

Shere's position within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty makes it a highly desirable location for buyers seeking a rural lifestyle within commuting distance of London. The village attracts professionals who work in Guildford, Dorking, or London but want to live in a characterful village setting. This demand supports property values, though the market has seen a correction in recent months with prices declining approximately 11% over the last year. Detached properties have seen a 10% decline, semi-detached properties 12%, terraced properties 14%, and flats around 10%.

The predominant housing stock in Shere reflects its historic nature, with 35.7% of properties built before 1919. These older properties often feature traditional construction methods including Bargate stone walls, timber framing, and lime mortar pointing. A further 15.1% were built between 1919-1945, with 25.8% constructed between 1945-1980, and only 23.4% being post-1980 developments. While these features add character and value, they also require ongoing maintenance, and our valuers assess the condition of these elements during the inspection.

Another local consideration is flood risk from the River Tillingbourne, which flows through the village centre. Properties in low-lying areas adjacent to the river face potential fluvial flooding, which can affect mortgageability and insurance costs. Our valuers assess the flood risk specific to each property and reflect this in the overall valuation. Surface water flooding is also a consideration during periods of heavy rainfall, particularly given the clay soils that dominate the area. The tourism economy in Shere also influences property values, with visitors drawn to the village's historic buildings, countryside walks, and proximity to the Surrey Hills AONB, supporting local hospitality and retail businesses.

• Surrey Hills AONB Setting
• Conservation Area Restrictions
• River Tillingbourne Flood Risk
• Historic Property Considerations

Given the age and construction methods of many properties in Shere, our valuers frequently identify several common defects during inspections. Rising damp is prevalent in older properties with solid walls, particularly those without adequate damp-proof courses or with damaged render. The use of traditional lime mortar in older properties, while environmentally beneficial, can be more susceptible to moisture penetration if not properly maintained. Penetrating damp is also common, especially in properties with deteriorating external pointing or tile-hung elevations that are typical in the area.

Timber defects represent another significant consideration in Shere properties. Wet rot and dry rot can affect timber-framed structures, floor joists, and roof timbers, particularly in older properties where moisture penetration has occurred over time. The Bargate stone and traditional brick construction found in many village properties can trap moisture if repointing or repairs are carried out with inappropriate modern materials, leading to timber decay. Our valuers thoroughly assess all accessible timber elements and note any areas of concern in the valuation report, as these issues can significantly affect both the property value and the lender's willingness to approve mortgage finance.

Roofing issues are frequently identified in Shere's older properties. Original slate and clay tile roofs often show signs of deterioration after decades of exposure to the elements. Missing or slipped tiles, degraded ridge pointing, and worn underfelt can lead to water ingress and require significant investment to repair or replace. Given that 35.7% of properties in the area were built before 1919, many roofs will have surpassed their expected lifespan and require careful assessment. Our valuation report includes a condition assessment that highlights these issues so you have a complete picture of the property's condition.

The underlying Gault Clay geology also presents specific structural concerns. Properties with shallow foundations near mature trees (common in the village) may experience subsidence or heave as the clay shrinks during dry periods and swells during wet weather. Our valuers are trained to identify signs of structural movement, including cracking to walls, doors and windows that stick, and uneven floor levels, all of which can impact the property's value and mortgageability.

• Rising/Penetrating Damp
• Timber Rot and Woodworm
• Roof Deterioration
• Subsidence from Clay Soils
• Outdated Electrical Systems