Introduction
When applying for a mortgage, one of the key steps in the process is the mortgage valuation. This is an assessment carried out by the lender to ensure that the property you’re buying is worth the amount you’re borrowing. While it’s a vital part of securing a mortgage, many first-time buyers are often unsure about what a mortgage valuation involves, how it differs from other property surveys, and what impact it can have on the purchase.
In this guide, we’ll explain what a mortgage valuation is, how it works, and why it’s important in the property buying process. Whether you’re buying your first home or adding to your property portfolio, understanding the mortgage valuation process will help you navigate this critical step with confidence.
What is a Mortgage Valuation?
A mortgage valuation is an assessment conducted by the lender to determine the value of the property you’re buying. The valuation is carried out by a professional surveyor, who visits the property to provide an independent assessment of its market value. The purpose of the mortgage valuation is to ensure that the property is worth the amount of money the lender is loaning you.
For example, if you’re applying for a mortgage to buy a property for £300,000, the lender will want to make sure that the property is indeed worth £300,000. This protects the lender’s investment by ensuring that, in the event you default on the mortgage, they could recoup their money by selling the property.
How is a Mortgage Valuation Conducted?
The process of a mortgage valuation is relatively straightforward, and in most cases, it involves a visit from a surveyor. Here’s how it typically works:
- The Lender Arranges the Valuation Once you’ve applied for a mortgage and the lender has conducted their initial checks on your financial situation, they will arrange for a surveyor to carry out the mortgage valuation. The cost of the valuation may be included in your mortgage fees, or you may need to pay for it separately.
- The Surveyor Visits the Property The surveyor will visit the property and conduct an inspection to assess its market value. The surveyor’s primary concern is whether the property is worth the amount you’re borrowing, so they will focus on key factors such as the property’s location, size, condition, and any comparable properties recently sold in the area.In some cases, particularly for standard properties in good condition, the surveyor may conduct a desktop valuation or a drive-by valuation. This involves assessing the property remotely using online data and records, rather than visiting it in person.
- Valuation Report After the inspection, the surveyor will provide a valuation report to the lender, confirming the property’s market value. If the valuation matches or exceeds the purchase price, the lender will likely proceed with the mortgage offer. If the valuation is lower than the purchase price, this could cause issues (more on this below).
How Does a Mortgage Valuation Differ from a Survey?
It’s important to note that a mortgage valuation is not the same as a homebuyer’s survey or full structural survey. While the mortgage valuation is conducted for the lender’s benefit to confirm the property’s value, a survey is conducted for the buyer’s benefit to assess the condition of the property.
- Mortgage Valuation: Focuses on the value of the property to ensure it matches the loan amount. It does not typically highlight issues with the property’s condition, such as structural problems, damp, or repairs needed.
- Homebuyer’s Survey/Structural Survey: These are more detailed inspections that assess the condition of the property and highlight any issues that may affect the property’s value or your decision to buy. It’s highly recommended that buyers arrange for a survey in addition to the mortgage valuation, as it provides a deeper understanding of the property’s condition.
What Happens If the Mortgage Valuation is Lower than the Purchase Price?
If the mortgage valuation comes back lower than the price you’ve agreed to pay for the property, this is known as a down valuation. This can be a significant issue, as it means the lender may not be willing to lend you the full amount you’ve applied for.
For example, if you’ve agreed to buy a property for £300,000, but the lender’s valuation only assesses it at £280,000, the lender may only offer a mortgage based on the £280,000 valuation. This creates a shortfall between the amount the lender is willing to lend and the purchase price, which you’ll need to cover with a larger deposit or through renegotiation.
Here’s what you can do if your mortgage valuation is lower than the purchase price:
- Renegotiate the Price If the property has been down valued, you can try to renegotiate the purchase price with the seller. The seller may be willing to lower the price to match the valuation, especially if the down valuation is a reflection of issues with the property or the local market.
- Increase Your Deposit If the seller is unwilling to lower the price, you may need to increase your deposit to cover the shortfall. For example, if the lender is only willing to offer a mortgage of £280,000, you’ll need to provide a £20,000 higher deposit to cover the difference.
- Appeal the Valuation In some cases, you may be able to appeal the valuation by providing evidence that supports the original purchase price. This could include examples of similar properties that have recently sold for the same price. However, it’s important to note that appeals are rarely successful, as the surveyor’s decision is usually final.
- Consider a Different Lender If you’re unhappy with the valuation and your lender is unwilling to budge, you could consider applying for a mortgage with a different lender. Different lenders use different surveyors, and another lender may provide a more favorable valuation. However, this could delay the transaction, and there’s no guarantee that the new lender will value the property higher.
How Much Does a Mortgage Valuation Cost?
The cost of a mortgage valuation can vary depending on the lender and the value of the property. Typically, mortgage valuation fees range from £150 to £1,500, with higher fees for more expensive properties. Some lenders offer free mortgage valuations as part of their mortgage product, so it’s worth checking whether this is included in your deal.
If the lender charges for the valuation, the fee will usually need to be paid upfront as part of the mortgage application process.
Do You Always Need a Mortgage Valuation?
A mortgage valuation is a standard requirement for most mortgages in the UK, as it protects the lender’s investment. However, there are some situations where a mortgage valuation may not be necessary:
- Cash Buyers If you’re buying a property with cash and don’t need a mortgage, there’s no requirement for a mortgage valuation. However, it’s still a good idea to arrange a survey to ensure the property is in good condition.
- Some Remortgages If you’re remortgaging a property with the same lender, they may not require a new mortgage valuation, particularly if the property’s value hasn’t changed significantly since the original mortgage was taken out.
Conclusion
A mortgage valuation is a crucial part of the property buying process, providing the lender with an assessment of the property’s market value to ensure that it aligns with the loan amount. While it’s conducted for the lender’s benefit, the valuation can impact your ability to secure a mortgage and may require you to renegotiate the purchase price or provide a larger deposit if the property is down valued.
Understanding the role of a mortgage valuation and how it differs from a property survey will help you navigate this step with confidence. It’s also important to arrange your own survey to assess the condition of the property and ensure there are no hidden issues that could affect its value in the future.
