Getting your home professionally appraised is an essential part of the process of selling up. Knowing its exact market value can inform how much you can afford to spend on your next property.
Recently released house price statistics show that the average property price in the UK was £268,000 for March 2026. In Leicester, the average house price is £233,000, with detached properties fetching an average of £393,000.
Assessing the market value of your property is often done via an estate agent’s appraisal. A more formal, highly detailed valuation, which might be needed for legal processes such as probate or for a mortgage, might be done by a RICS surveyor.
However, if you are looking to sell your home, your first port of call is a professional estate agent. They can give you a sound estimate of how much you can get for your home.
How long will a house valuation take?
The time a valuation takes will largely depend on how big and how many rooms your home has. However, you can expect an experienced estate agent to complete a valuation visit in 15 minutes to an hour.
What will the estate agent look at in your home?
A professional valuation will take into account the number of rooms and their size, usually measured with a laser distance measurer for speed. They will also look at potential structural issues, damp and general condition.
They will also assess the quality and newness of fixtures in the bathroom and kitchen, for example. Modernisation, such as underfloor heating or extensions, will also be noted.
What questions will an estate agent ask?
A valuer will definitely have questions for you, although it is not a test!
They are likely to ask about freehold or the length of the lease. They might also ask about when repairs and replacements have been done, for example, to the roof, windows, wiring or heating systems.
Depending on the type of home, they may ask about school catchment areas, which will have an impact on the final value of the home.
What will be included in an estate agent’s valuation report?
After visiting your property, an estate agent will collate the information and assess it against current market data to ensure your home sells quickly and you get the highest price possible.
The report produced will include some or all of the following:
- A recommended asking price based on market value
- Details of the property and features
- Similar or comparable properties sold nearby
- Information about the local area, for example, schools
- Suggestions on any improvements that might help your property sell, for example, repainting or small repairs
What should you do to prepare?
There are several ways to prepare for a valuation:
- Simple, easy fix DIY jobs, like fixing door handles or replacing lightbulbs
- Clear the clutter so that the home looks more spacious and at its best if photographs are taken
- Find out important dates of when repairs and replacements were done
- Check the paperwork for leasehold information, any service charges or ground rents
- If you don’t have children, perhaps check what local schools are around
If you are considering selling your Leicestershire home, get in touch with Moore & York to discuss or book an appraisal.
