If you're thinking of selling your home in 2025, one of your first steps should be to get a professional valuation. But what actually happens during a valuation? What do estate agents look for, how do they determine a price, and how can you make sure you’re presenting your home in the best possible light?

In this blog, we break down the valuation process in clear, practical terms so you know exactly what to expect — and how to prepare.

1. Why a Professional Valuation Matters

While online valuations tools offer a rough estimate, a local estate agent provides a far more accurate picture of your home’s value. A good agent will:

• Visit your property in person
• Assess its features, condition, and presentation
• Compare it to recent sales nearby
• Consider current market demand
• Offer tailored advice to suit your goals

Their aim isn’t just to give you a number — it’s to help you make informed decisions about listing, pricing, and selling.

2. What Happens Before the Visit

Before the valuation appointment, many agents will:

• Review recent sales data in your area
• Look at your property’s history and past listings
• Make note of local demand for your property type

You might be asked about:

• Renovations or upgrades
• Lease details (if leasehold)
• Any planning permissions or extensions

Tip: Be honest and detailed. The more context you provide, the more accurate the valuation will be.

3. What the Valuer Looks For On-Site

When they visit your home, valuers look at:

General Condition

• Is the property well maintained?
• Are there signs of wear and tear?

Presentation

• Is it clean and decluttered?
• Are rooms laid out clearly?

Layout and Size

• Number and proportion of rooms
• Flow and usability of the space

Upgrades and Features

• Modern kitchens and bathrooms
• Energy efficiency improvements (EPC, insulation, boiler)
• Storage space, parking, outdoor areas

External Condition and Kerb Appeal

• First impressions matter — overgrown gardens, peeling paint, or damaged fences can reduce perceived value

Valuer Tip: They’re assessing your home through a buyer’s eyes, so staging, lighting, and cleanliness all count.

4. How the Agent Determines Value

Once they’ve seen your home, they combine multiple data points:

• Comparable Sales: Recent nearby homes with similar specs
• Current Listings: What similar homes are listed for (and how long they’ve been listed)
• Buyer Demand: Are homes like yours selling quickly?
• Market Trends: Local and national housing shifts

They’ll usually give you a range (e.g. £300,000–£25,000) to reflect variables like market timing, presentation, and buyer appetite.

5. What You Can Do to Boost Your Valuation

You can’t change your postcode, but you can control:

• Presentation: Clean, declutter, stage if possible
• Condition: Fix minor repairs, freshen paint, mow the lawn
• Documentation: Have EPCs, planning permission, and upgrade receipts ready
• Communication: Share what’s great about the home and area

Example: If your loft was recently converted, show the valuer the sign-off documents and photos.

6. What Happens After the Valuation

Following the visit, the agent will usually:

• Email or call you with their suggested price range
• Explain their rationale
• Recommend an asking price if you’re selling soon
• Offer tips on improving value or presentation if needed

Some may also provide:

• A written report or valuation letter
• A marketing proposal with timelines and services

7. Common Questions Homeowners Ask

“Should I get more than one valuation?” Yes. It’s wise to get 2–3 opinions to compare advice, pricing, and service.

“What if I disagree with the valuation?” Talk it through. Ask how they reached the figure, and whether there are improvements that could increase value.

“Do I have to use the agent who valued my home?” No. A valuation doesn’t commit you to selling or working with them.

8. Valuation vs Survey: What’s the Difference?

A valuation estimates market price for marketing purposes. A survey assesses the property’s condition for a buyer or lender. They serve different roles but are both valuable at different stages.

Final Thoughts: Be Prepared, Be Informed

A professional valuation is a crucial first step if you’re considering a move. It sets expectations, highlights opportunities, and gives you the insight you need to plan effectively.

Take it seriously, prepare your home, and treat the agent as a partner in your journey. With the right preparation, your valuation could lead to a quicker, more profitable sale. Click here to begin your journey with the right agent for you!