If you bought your home using the Help to Buy (Equity Loan) scheme and you’re now looking to repay some or all of the loan, the value of your property becomes central to the process. That’s because the equity loan is repaid as a percentage of your home’s current market value, not the amount you originally borrowed.
A RICS Help to Buy valuation is a formal valuation prepared by a RICS-qualified surveyor to establish the property’s current market value for the purpose of redeeming (repaying) the equity loan—either in full or in part (sometimes called “staircasing” in the context of Help to Buy, although it’s a different scheme to shared ownership).
In simple terms:
The valuation sets the price that your equity loan percentage is applied to.
1) Why the valuation matters so much
The Help to Buy equity loan is usually a fixed percentage of the property (e.g., 20% outside London, up to 40% in London at purchase). When you repay it, you repay the same percentage of the current market value.
So if values have risen, the cash amount needed to redeem the loan increases. If values have fallen, the repayment amount may be lower.
A professional valuation is therefore essential because it affects:
- how much you must pay to redeem the equity loan
- whether your remortgage is feasible
- how you budget and plan the repayment
2) When you typically need a RICS Help to Buy valuation
You’ll usually need a RICS valuation if you plan to:
A) Repay the equity loan in full
Often through:
- a remortgage, or
- savings, or
- sale of the property
B) Repay part of the equity loan
Some schemes allow partial redemptions subject to minimum amounts/percentages and specific rules.
C) Sell the property
A valuation may be required as part of the process to calculate the equity loan redemption from sale proceeds.
The key point is that the valuation is used to calculate what is owed to the Help to Buy administrator.
3) What makes this different from an estate agent appraisal?
A Help to Buy valuation is not simply “what an agent thinks it might sell for.” It must be a proper market valuation, produced by a surveyor, with a clear methodology and supporting evidence.
This matters because:
- you’re paying a percentage of the value, so the figure needs to be fair and defensible
- administrators require a valuation from a RICS professional to ensure consistency and reliability
- a structured report reduces disputes and delays
4) What the surveyor values (and what they don’t)
The surveyor values:
- the property as it stands today
- based on evidence of comparable sales
- considering location, size, condition, and saleability
- with the assumption of an arm’s-length sale in the open market
The surveyor does not usually:
- “pitch” the value to suit a desired outcome
- set an asking price strategy like an estate agent might
- include a full building survey unless separately instructed
The purpose is to establish a fair market value at the valuation date.
5) How the valuation is carried out (step-by-step)
A typical Help to Buy valuation process includes:
Step 1: Confirm the brief
- confirm it is a Help to Buy equity loan valuation
- confirm the property address and tenure
- confirm whether the property is a house or flat
- note any relevant scheme administrator requirements
Step 2: Inspect the property
The surveyor typically inspects:
- overall accommodation and layout
- general condition and specification
- visible defects affecting value
- external setting and immediate surroundings
- parking, outside space, and any key features
Step 3: Research comparable evidence
The surveyor analyses:
- sold prices of similar properties nearby
- adjustments for differences in size, condition, parking, outside space
- market conditions at the valuation date
Step 4: Reach a valuation conclusion
The valuation figure is stated clearly, with reasoning and assumptions.
Step 5: Produce the report
The report is provided in the appropriate format for submission.
6) What factors can affect the valuation (especially for new-builds)
Many Help to Buy properties are newer homes or flats. Key value influences can include:
A) New-build premium vs resale reality
New builds often sell initially at a premium due to incentives, show-home presentation, and developer pricing. On resale, values can behave differently depending on supply of similar units.
B) Specification differences
Within the same development, values can differ based on:
- floor level and views (flats)
- parking (allocated vs none)
- balcony/terrace size
- orientation and natural light
- corner units or larger layouts
- service charge levels and what’s included
C) Condition and maintenance
Even newer homes can suffer from:
- snagging issues
- wear and tear
- damp/condensation due to ventilation habits
- minor defects that influence buyer perception
D) Leasehold details (for flats)
- service charge level
- ground rent terms (if applicable)
- major works risk (less common early, but still possible)
- building management quality
7) How long is the valuation valid for?
Help to Buy valuations typically have a limited validity period (commonly a few months). If your redemption process takes too long, you may need an updated valuation.
This is why timing is important:
- line up solicitor and lender steps
- avoid delays in paperwork
- ensure you have the funds/mortgage decision progressing
8) Can you challenge the valuation if you disagree?
In some cases, if you believe the valuation is incorrect, there may be a process to:
- review the comparable evidence used
- correct factual errors (size, accommodation, condition assumptions)
- consider whether an updated valuation is required (if the validity period lapses)
However, a valuation is an opinion informed by evidence—so “I want it lower” isn’t a basis for change. The route is usually to focus on:
- factual accuracy
- relevance and quality of comparables
- condition factors that may have been overlooked
9) How to get the best and fairest valuation outcome
You can help the process by preparing:
- details of your property: parking, outside space, upgrades
- any differences from similar units (better view, larger balcony, etc.)
- any known issues that affect value (not just the positives)
- lease/service charge information if it’s a flat
- access to all rooms and any communal areas relevant to value
Also, ensure the surveyor understands:
- it’s a Help to Buy valuation, and
- the report needs to meet the scheme requirements.
10) The takeaway
A RICS Help to Buy valuation provides a fair, evidence-based market value that is used to calculate how much you must repay on your Help to Buy equity loan (as a percentage of today’s value). Because the figure directly affects repayment, the valuation must be prepared carefully, with strong comparable evidence and clear assumptions—while staying within the scheme’s validity and submission requirements.
Need a RICS Help to Buy valuation?
Email mail@howorth.uk or call 07794 400 212. Tell us your property type (house/flat), location, and whether you’re repaying the equity loan in full or in part. If it’s a flat, share the current service charge and any key lease details you have. We’ll explain the valuation process, what information is helpful, and how to keep your Help to Buy redemption moving smoothly.