RICS Help to Buy valuation
What is a Help to Buy valuation?
A Help to Buy valuation is an independent RICS market valuation required by Homes England for homeowners who purchased their property using a Help to Buy equity loan. It confirms the current market value of the property so that Homes England can calculate how much is owed when the loan is repaid or adjusted.
Although the Help to Buy scheme is now closed to new applicants, existing Help to Buy homeowners still need a valuation when selling their property, staircasing, or repaying the equity loan. Only valuations carried out by RICS-qualified surveyors are accepted, and the report must meet specific Homes England criteria.
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Why is a Help to Buy valuation important?
Homes England calculates repayments as a percentage of the current market value, not the original purchase price. This means the valuation plays a crucial role in determining how much you need to repay.
A compliant Help to Buy RICS valuation ensures transparency and fairness when you are:
- selling your property
- repaying your equity loan in full or in part
- buying more equity in your home (“staircasing”)
Help to Buy valuations are usually valid for three months. If this period expires before your transaction completes, Homes England may require an updated or desktop valuation.
When should you choose a Help to Buy valuation?
You will typically need a Help to Buy valuation in the following situations:
- when selling a Help to Buy property
- when fully or partially repaying the equity loan
- when staircasing to increase your share of ownership
- when remortgaging and settling the Help to Buy loan
A Help to Buy valuation is most suitable for:
It is less suited to:
Why choose Cheke & Co for your Help to Buy valuation?
Cheke & Co are long-established, Essex-based, RICS-regulated surveyors with extensive experience in residential property valuations. We offer direct communication with your surveyor throughout the process – no call centres or faceless corporate structures.
Our team has a strong understanding of Homes England requirements, ensuring your Help to Buy house valuation is fully compliant. With local market knowledge across Essex and East London, we deliver accurate, well-supported valuations, explained clearly and without unnecessary jargon.
How it works
Our Help to Buy valuation process is clear and straightforward:
- Initial arrangement – the valuation is booked and the scope of the Help to Buy requirement is confirmed in line with Homes England guidance.
- On-site inspection – a RICS-qualified surveyor inspects the property, takes photographs, and gathers relevant details.
- Market research – recent comparable sales and current local market conditions are analysed, meeting Homes England criteria.
- Report preparation – a RICS Red Book–compliant valuation is prepared and signed by the surveyor.
- Delivery – the completed valuation report is issued for submission to Homes England.
Our approach
- Clear and structured process – each Help to Buy valuation follows a defined, compliant methodology aligned with Homes England and RICS requirements.
- RICS-led expertise – valuations are carried out and signed by RICS-qualified surveyors, ensuring credibility and acceptance.
- Local market insight – detailed knowledge of Essex and East London property markets supports accurate and well-evidenced valuations.
- Transparent communication – findings are explained clearly, without unnecessary jargon, so the valuation and next steps are easy to understand.
- Reliable turnaround – reports are delivered promptly, with realistic timescales confirmed at the outset.
Get in touch
If you need a RICS Help to Buy valuation, our team is here to help. Request a no-obligation quote via our online quote form or get in touch directly to speak with one of our surveyors.
GET AN ONLINE QUOTE
To receive an online quote, just complete our simple online form
GET IN TOUCH
Speak to a surveyor today!
FAQs about Help to Buy valuations
Homes England requires an independent RICS Help to Buy valuation prepared by a RICS-qualified surveyor. Cheke & Co provides fully compliant reports accepted by Homes England.
The property is inspected, comparable sales are analysed, and a RICS Red Book–compliant valuation report is prepared. Cheke & Co manages the process clearly from inspection through to report delivery.
Yes, only valuations completed by RICS-regulated surveyors are accepted by Homes England. Cheke & Co is RICS-regulated and experienced in Help to Buy valuations.
The cost depends on the property type and location. Cheke & Co provides clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees.
A Help to Buy valuation is usually valid for three months from the inspection date. If required, Cheke & Co can advise on whether a desktop update may be possible.
No, estate agent valuations are not accepted for Help to Buy purposes. A RICS valuation from an independent surveyor, such as Cheke & Co, is required.
Timescales vary, but reports are typically issued promptly following inspection. Cheke & Co confirms expected turnaround at the time of booking.
Basic property details and access arrangements are usually sufficient. Cheke & Co will confirm any additional requirements in advance.
Yes, provided it meets Homes England’s criteria and is completed by a RICS surveyor. Cheke & Co’s valuations are prepared specifically to meet these requirements.
Homes England may request a new or updated valuation. Cheke & Co can advise on the most appropriate next step based on your circumstances.