Help to Buy Valuation in Lifton

To get started, have your original Help to Buy agreement, proof of identity and any previous valuation reports to hand if you have them. It also helps if you tell us about improvements made since purchase, because they can influence the figure. We suggest gathering everything before the inspection so the process runs smoothly. If you are not sure what is needed, we can talk you through it when you book your appointment.

We usually send the completed valuation report within 48 hours of the inspection. The inspection itself normally takes between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on the size and complexity of the property. Around Lifton, our valuers can often arrange visits within a few days of booking, and we prioritise quick turnaround for anyone working to a Help to Buy deadline. So you are not left waiting long for a clear view of your equity position.

If the value has dropped since you bought the home, the equity loan repayment will be based on that lower current market value. In practical terms, that can work in your favour and reduce what you owe compared with the original loan amount. Our valuation shows your current position and explains how the equity loan percentage applies to today's value. That is especially relevant during market corrections, although Lifton has recently seen strong growth with prices up around 24% year-on-year.

Yes, our RICS-compliant Help to Buy valuations are accepted by most mortgage lenders for remortgaging. The point to bear in mind is that remortgaging a Help to Buy property usually means paying off the equity loan in full or moving to a different product. We would always suggest speaking with a mortgage adviser before you move ahead. The report gives you the current market value needed for those conversations, and helps you understand your options in the present Lifton market where property values have risen significantly.

We provide Help to Buy valuations for detached houses, semi-detached properties, terraced homes and flats. Our valuers have worked on everything from modern developments to older period properties across West Devon. Given the local mix, with 35.9% of homes being 3-bedroom properties and 28.3% having 4 or more bedrooms, we regularly value larger family homes in Lifton. Whatever the type, we will give it a proper assessment.

The equity loan percentage is worked out from the original purchase price and the current market value at the time of valuation. You repay the original percentage of the current value, not the original loan amount. So a 20% equity loan on a property now worth more than the purchase price means paying 20% of the current value. In Lifton's rising market, where average prices have increased by around 24%, many homeowners end up repaying more than their original loan amount. Our report takes the calculation apart line by line so you know exactly what you owe.

Even if you bought your Help to Buy property more than five years ago, you will still need a valuation to work out the repayment amount. Interest on the equity loan builds over time, and the sum due is based on the current market value of your property. Our valuers account for both the value growth and any accrued interest when they calculate your final figure. We recommend getting in touch as soon as possible so we can begin the process.

Lifton has continued to show strong growth, with prices up approximately 24% over the past year and now 6% above the previous 2023 peak. If you bought your Help to Buy home in recent years, there is a good chance it has risen sharply in value. Our valuers use current comparable sales data from across Lifton and the West Devon area, so the valuation reflects today's market rather than a stale estimate. In a fast-moving market, that local reading is essential.