A RICS Registered Valuer is a property professional who is not only qualified as a chartered surveyor (or appropriately regulated valuer), but is also formally registered with RICS to carry out valuations in accordance with recognised professional standards. In practice, this designation signals that the valuer:
- has the right competence for the valuation work they undertake,
- follows a strict valuation framework (including independence and transparency), and
- is subject to additional monitoring and quality assurance.
For clients, it’s a useful marker of confidence—particularly when the valuation is being used for important decisions such as probate, divorce, tax, dispute resolution, or transactions where the figure may be relied upon by third parties.
1) Why the term matters: “valuation” isn’t just an opinion
Lots of people can give you a price estimate. A RICS Registered Valuer provides something more formal:
- an evidence-led opinion of value
- prepared to a recognised professional standard
- with clear assumptions, limitations, and reasoning
- designed to be defensible if challenged
This matters when the valuation needs to stand up to scrutiny—by solicitors, accountants, lenders, co-owners, beneficiaries, or HMRC.
2) What does “Registered” mean in practice?
Being a RICS Registered Valuer generally indicates that the individual:
A) Meets competence requirements
They must be appropriately trained and experienced for the valuation work they do—particularly in their chosen markets (for example, residential, commercial, development, or specialist property).
B) Works to a recognised valuation standard
Valuations are expected to follow RICS professional standards and to be prepared with consistency and transparency.
C) Is subject to additional oversight
Registered Valuers work within a system that includes:
- adherence to rules around independence and conflicts of interest
- documented processes and record keeping
- quality assurance expectations
- monitoring arrangements (at firm or individual level)
In short: registration adds another layer of assurance beyond simply being “experienced”.
3) How a RICS Registered Valuer differs from an estate agent appraisal
An estate agent’s “valuation” is typically a market appraisal aimed at:
- setting an asking price, and
- forming a marketing strategy.
A RICS Registered Valuer’s valuation is typically aimed at:
- providing a defensible value figure for decision-making or formal use.
That doesn’t mean agents aren’t useful—they are. But the outputs are different:
- agents focus on what they think the property can sell for with a marketing strategy,
- Registered Valuers focus on a structured opinion of market value supported by evidence and professional standards.
4) When do you most benefit from a RICS Registered Valuer?
You’ll usually get the most value from a RICS Registered Valuer when the outcome is high-stakes or potentially contested, for example:
A) Probate and Inheritance Tax valuations
Where a date-of-death value needs to be evidenced and may be scrutinised.
B) Divorce and separation valuations
Where parties need an independent anchor figure for negotiation or settlement.
C) Valuations for tax purposes (including retrospective dates)
Where the valuation must be clearly tied to the correct date and assumptions.
D) Disputes and negotiations
Where a figure must be defensible, consistent, and well explained.
E) Complex or unusual properties
Where comparables are harder to find and professional judgement needs to be properly evidenced.
5) What should you expect from a valuation by a RICS Registered Valuer?
While formats vary, a well-prepared valuation will usually include:
- the valuation purpose and valuation date
- the basis of value (what “value” means in this context)
- a description of the property and its condition
- local market commentary (as relevant)
- comparable evidence and analysis
- the valuation conclusion (the figure)
- key assumptions and limitations
- sometimes: photos, plans, or appendices depending on instruction
For flats, a robust valuation often addresses:
- lease length
- service charges and ground rent
- major works risk
- building condition and management
6) What a RICS Registered Valuer will not do
A professional valuer should not:
- “pitch” a number to suit a preferred outcome
- ignore defects or lease issues to make a figure look better
- value without stating assumptions when key information is missing
- act where conflicts of interest compromise independence
A good valuation is designed to be reliable—even if the number is not what someone hoped for.
7) How to check if someone is right for your valuation
Even with registration, it’s sensible to check:
- Do they value your type of property regularly (house vs flat vs development vs rural)?
- Have they handled valuations for your purpose (probate, divorce, tax, Help to Buy, shared ownership)?
- Are they familiar with your local market?
- Will the report be suitable for the intended audience (solicitor/HMRC/lender)?
The “right valuer” is not just registered—it’s someone competent in your specific scenario.
8) The takeaway
A RICS Registered Valuer is a property valuation professional registered with RICS and expected to deliver valuations to recognised standards, with clear evidence, independence, and accountability. If you need a valuation that must be reliable, explainable, and able to stand up to scrutiny, instructing a RICS Registered Valuer is often the safest route.
Need a valuation from a RICS Registered Valuer?
Email mail@howorth.uk or call 07794 400 212. Tell us the property type and location, what you need the valuation for (probate, divorce, tax, sale planning, Help to Buy, shared ownership, etc.), and whether you need a current or retrospective valuation date. We’ll explain the most appropriate valuation approach and what information will help us provide a clear, defensible report.