A Red Book Valuation is a complicated system of parameters and processes in valuing a property under standards set by Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
At its core, the Red Book Valuation is a professional appraisal of the value of a property, grounded in robust criteria and an in-depth understanding of the market. It becomes a compass for investors, developers, and homeowners in the vast real estate market. Its role is to offer an independent and trustworthy projection of what a property is worth in the marketplace, helping to inform major decisions and strategies in the property industry.
It is comprehensive in that it covers all types of real estate, from residential to commercial to industrial. A characteristic of the London market is the large variety of properties. As such, the Red Book Valuation is an invaluable single point of reference amidst the numerous facets of London’s real estate.
When someone dies their whole estate must be valued so that the executor of the will has the authority to carry out the deceased wishes. From their money and property to their possessions, this valuation is typically called a probate property valuation.
While you are not legally compelled to request a Red Book valuation from a valuation professional like a chartered surveyor, HMRC encourages this. These are respected and skilled RICS registered surveyors who must follow the guidelines of the Royal Institution for a precise valuation you can rely on.
By obtaining a valuation from the Red Book, you can be confident that you will receive an accurate valuation which has been prepared to a high professional standard by the RICS Registered Valuer. The report could then be relied upon by your solicitor, accountant and other professionals in relation to your specific requirements.
If you need a valuation for tax purposes or legal proceedings, you should be sure to have a Red Book valuation. The majority of home buyers also get property valuations done when they are doing a building survey as it allows them to get the exact market value of a property they are looking to buy.
There are other occasions where you may find you need a Red Book valuation. Examples include, but are not limited to:
The valuation report issued remains valid for a period of 3 months but can be extended by the surveyor for a further 3 months if required. This should be done within the first 2 weeks of the expiry date.
When you require a trusted valuation of a property or a building choose an RICS registered Valuer. Our panel of valuation surveyors in London aim to provide total peace of mind and have to adhere to strict standards outlined by the RICS, providing you with a valuation report ideally suited for mortgages, probate, divorce, taxation purposes and accounting.
A standard RICS Red Book Valuation involves the following: