Valuation
To confirm the current market value of your home you need to employ, at your own expense, an independent Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) registered surveyor to provide an open market valuation for your property. Your chosen surveyor must know the local housing market and have experience of valuing properties in the area. The Council must still confirm their agreement to the valuation.
The Council will normally respond to valuations and give a decision within 15 working days from the date of receiving valuation information in writing. However, there may be specific planning obligations relating to a particular development which set a specific time frame or other requirements about the valuation process, if so, these requirements will apply. Approval of the valuation will be confirmed in writing, usually via email.
In cases where the Council does not agree with a RICS valuation of a First Home the Council will refer to the case to Homes England for consideration. The Council may appoint an independent RICS qualified valuer to verify the valuation and will reach a final decision.