Stamp Duty Land Tax Valuation
A RICS Red Book valuation prepared specifically for Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) purposes, where HMRC requires an independent professional valuation of a residential property. Accepted by HMRC for SDLT returns, connected party transfers, gifted properties and transactions where the market value needs independent verification.
Whether you are transferring a property between family members, moving a property into a limited company, gifting a property with a mortgage, or handling a transaction between connected parties, our RICS Registered Valuers provide the formal, defensible valuation evidence HMRC requires.
SDLT Valuation Features
Our Home Surveyor & Property Valuer Accreditation & Professional Membership
Our Stamp Duty Land Tax 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 Stamp Duty Land Tax Valuation?
A Stamp Duty Land Tax Valuation is an independent RICS Red Book valuation prepared specifically for HMRC purposes. It provides a professionally justified market value of a residential property at a specific date, supported by comparable evidence and prepared by an RICS Registered Valuer. HMRC may request this type of valuation when a property transaction is not a standard arm's length sale — for example, a transfer between connected parties, a gift, or a transaction where the stated price may not reflect true market value.
What It Covers
- A market valuation compliant with the RICS Red Book Global Standards
- A valuation figure that can be used directly in your SDLT return to HMRC
- Detailed comparable evidence supporting the valuation conclusion
- A full description of the property, its condition and its location
- Commentary on market conditions affecting the valuation
- Photographs of the property and relevant comparable evidence
What It Does Not Cover
- Tax advice or SDLT calculation (consult your solicitor or accountant)
- Legal advice on whether SDLT is payable or how much is due
- A structural survey or building defects report
- Advice on repairs, maintenance or building condition
- Negotiation with HMRC on your behalf
- Guarantee that HMRC will accept the valuation (though they nearly always do)
When Do You Need an SDLT Valuation?
A formal SDLT valuation is not required for every property transaction. Here is how to tell whether a RICS Red Book valuation is the right choice for your situation.
Suitable For
- SDLT returns where a formal valuation is required
- Transactions between connected parties
- Transfers in lieu of consideration
- Gifted properties where SDLT may be payable
Not Suitable For
- Standard property purchases (your solicitor handles SDLT)
- Transactions where no SDLT is due
Not sure whether you need an SDLT valuation? Speak to our team for free, no-obligation advice.
What Is Included in Our SDLT Valuation
Every Stamp Duty Land Tax valuation we produce includes the following as standard.
RICS Red Book Compliant
Fully compliant with the RICS Red Book Global Standards, accepted by HMRC for SDLT purposes.
Prepared by an RICS Registered Valuer
Every valuation is prepared and signed off by an RICS Registered Valuer with local market knowledge.
Detailed Comparable Evidence
Includes analysis of recent sales of similar properties in the local area to support the valuation figure.
Clear Justification
A clear, reasoned justification of the valuation figure, explaining how the market value was arrived at.
Suitable for All Residential Property Types
Covers houses, flats, bungalows, maisonettes and all standard residential construction types.
Internal and External Inspection
A full inspection of the property, both inside and out, to assess condition, size, layout and features.
Location and Market Commentary
An assessment of the property's location, local amenities, transport links and current market conditions.
Fast Turnaround
Report delivered within 5 to 7 working days of the inspection. Express service available on request.
How the SDLT Valuation Process Works
From enquiry to report — straightforward and transparent.
Get a Quote
Contact us with the property details and the reason for the valuation. We respond within 24 hours with a fixed-price quote.
Book Appointment
Choose a convenient date for the inspection. We typically schedule within 5–10 working days of your instruction.
Valuer Inspects
An RICS Registered Valuer visits the property, inspects the interior and exterior, and gathers comparable market evidence.
Receive Report
Your RICS Red Book valuation report is delivered within 5–7 working days of the inspection by email.
SDLT Valuation Questions
When does HMRC require a formal valuation for stamp duty?
HMRC may require a formal valuation when the transaction is not an arm's length sale at market value — for example, a transfer between family members, a transfer to a company you control, a gift of property where the recipient takes on a mortgage, or a transfer as part of a divorce settlement. If HMRC questions the valuation used in the SDLT return, they may request evidence. A RICS Red Book valuation provides that evidence.
Can I use the purchase price for SDLT?
In a standard arm's length purchase between unconnected parties, the purchase price is usually accepted as the market value for SDLT purposes and a separate valuation is not required. However, if the transaction is between connected parties or there is reason to believe the purchase price does not reflect market value, a formal RICS Red Book valuation is advisable.
What is the difference between an SDLT valuation and a standard market valuation?
An SDLT valuation is a market valuation — it determines the market value of the property. The difference is in the purpose and the report format. An SDLT valuation is specifically addressed to HMRC and prepared with the rigour expected for tax purposes. It includes a detailed explanation of the methodology, a full schedule of comparable evidence, and a formal declaration by the RICS Registered Valuer. A standard market valuation for personal use may be less formal and not necessarily Red Book compliant. For SDLT purposes, you should always use a RICS Red Book valuation — HMRC is far more likely to accept it without challenge.
How much does an SDLT valuation cost?
Our RICS Red Book SDLT valuations start from £1200 ex VAT for a typical residential property. The exact price depends on the size, type and location of the property, and the complexity of the valuation. We provide a fixed-price quote within 24 hours of your enquiry — the price we quote is the price you pay, with no hidden extras, no travel surcharges and no additional fees for any location within our seven counties (Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Greater London and Oxfordshire).
How long does the valuation report take to prepare?
After the inspection, your RICS Red Book valuation report is delivered within 5 to 7 working days. The inspection itself typically takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. If you need the report more quickly, we can often accommodate express turnaround requests — please mention this when you enquire and we will do our best to help.
Do you cover my area for an SDLT valuation?
We provide RICS Red Book SDLT valuations across all seven of our counties: Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Greater London and Oxfordshire. Every RICS Registered Valuer who works with us is based locally and knows the property market, local comparables and market conditions in their area. There are no travel surcharges for any location within our coverage area.
Get a Fixed-Price SDLT Valuation Quote
Free, no-obligation quote within 24 hours. RICS Red Book compliant, HMRC accepted.