RICS Red Book Valuation
A valuation report prepared in strict accordance with the RICS Valuation — Global Standards (the 'Red Book'). This is the UK gold standard for formal property valuations, prepared by an RICS Registered Valuer and accepted by HMRC, courts, lenders, solicitors and all UK government bodies.
The Red Book valuation provides an independent, evidence-based assessment of market value that stands up to scrutiny in any formal context — tax disputes, legal proceedings, probate applications and financial reporting.
RICS Red Book Valuation
Our Home Surveyor & Property Valuer Accreditation & Professional Membership
Our RICS Red Book Valuations are carried out by qualified surveyors who belong to the professional bodies that set UK property standards. Every report is prepared to recognised guidance and is completely independent, so you can rely on the findings when you buy, sell or value a home.
What Is a RICS Red Book Valuation?
The 'Red Book' is the informal name for the RICS Valuation — Global Standards, the professional standards that govern how RICS Registered Valuers prepare formal valuations. A Red Book valuation follows a prescribed methodology, includes detailed comparable evidence and is prepared by a valuer who holds the RICS Registered Valuer designation — a status requiring additional training, assessment and ongoing monitoring beyond standard RICS membership.
What It Covers
- A thorough internal and external inspection of the property
- Detailed analysis of comparable market evidence and recent sales
- An independent, evidence-based opinion of market value
- Full compliance with RICS Valuation — Global Standards
- A formal written report suitable for submission to HMRC, courts and lenders
- Clear explanation of the valuation methodology and assumptions
- Professional indemnity insurance cover for the valuation
What It Does Not Cover
- A detailed building condition survey (available separately)
- Structural assessment or defect diagnosis
- Testing of services such as gas, electrics or drainage
- An informal market appraisal for selling purposes
- Advice on whether to buy, sell or hold a property
Is a Red Book Valuation Right for You?
A Red Book valuation is the appropriate choice whenever a formal, independently prepared valuation is required by a third party — a tax authority, a court, a lender or a solicitor.
Suitable For
- Capital Gains Tax and Inheritance Tax submissions
- Probate and estate administration
- Matrimonial and divorce settlements
- Court proceedings
- Stamp Duty Land Tax purposes
- Connected party and limited company transfers
Not Suitable For
- Informal 'how much is my house worth' enquiries (use a market appraisal)
Not sure which valuation you need? Speak to a surveyor for free, no-obligation advice.
Why Choose Our Red Book Valuation Service
Every Red Book valuation we produce meets the highest professional standards and carries the weight of RICS accreditation.
RICS Red Book Compliant
The UK gold standard for formal valuations. Every report is prepared in strict accordance with the latest RICS Valuation — Global Standards and the UK National Supplement.
RICS Registered Valuer
Your valuation is prepared by a valuer who holds the RICS Registered Valuer designation — a status requiring additional training, assessment and ongoing monitoring beyond standard RICS membership.
Accepted by All Official Bodies
HMRC, HM Courts & Tribunals Service, HM Land Registry, lenders, solicitors, accountants and all UK government bodies accept Red Book valuations as definitive evidence of market value.
Detailed Comparable Evidence
Your report includes a thorough analysis of comparable sales, adjustments for differences between properties and a clear explanation of how the valuation figure was arrived at.
Professional Indemnity Insured
Every valuation is covered by professional indemnity insurance, giving you, your solicitor and any relying third party full confidence in the figure provided.
How a Red Book Valuation Works
From enquiry to report — a clear and straightforward process managed by an RICS Registered Valuer throughout.
Get a Quote
Tell us about the property and the purpose of the valuation. We provide a fixed-price quote within 24 hours with no hidden extras.
Book Appointment
We arrange a convenient date for the valuer to inspect the property. Most inspections are completed within 5–10 working days of your instruction.
Valuer Inspects
The RICS Registered Valuer visits the property, takes measurements and photographs, and gathers all the information needed to prepare the formal valuation.
Receive Report
Your Red Book valuation report is delivered by email within 5–10 working days of the inspection. The valuer is available to discuss any queries.
Red Book Valuation Questions
What does 'Red Book' mean?
The 'Red Book' is the informal name for the RICS Valuation — Global Standards, the professional standards that govern how RICS Registered Valuers prepare formal valuations. The name comes from the red cover of the printed edition. A Red Book valuation follows a prescribed methodology, includes detailed comparable evidence, and is prepared by a valuer who is specifically registered with RICS for valuation work. Not all RICS members are RICS Registered Valuers — the 'Registered Valuer' status requires additional training, assessment and ongoing monitoring.
Do I need a Red Book valuation for probate?
Yes, HMRC and the Probate Registry expect a RICS Red Book Valuation for probate purposes. An informal valuation or estate agent's appraisal is not acceptable. The valuation must be prepared by an RICS Registered Valuer and must comply with the Red Book standards. We provide probate valuations across all seven counties and can work directly with executors, solicitors and probate specialists.
How long is a Red Book valuation valid for?
A Red Book valuation reflects the market value at a specific date — the 'valuation date'. The report itself does not expire, but the figure is a snapshot of the market on that date. For tax purposes, HMRC typically expects the valuation to be within 12 months of the relevant event (such as the date of death for probate). For other purposes, check with your solicitor or accountant whether a more recent valuation is required.
Request a Red Book Valuation Quote
Free, no-obligation quote within 24 hours. Prepared by an RICS Registered Valuer.