Help to Buy Valuation in Aylesbury

The Help to Buy equity loan scheme let buyers purchase a new build property with just a 5% deposit, while the government took an equity loan of up to 20% (or 40% in London). For many homeowners in Aylesbury who bought through it, a formal Help to Buy valuation is now needed to establish the current market value of the property. The Help to Buy agency requires that valuation, and it has to be carried out by a RICS registered valuer to meet its guidelines.

Under the scheme, the government loan is interest-free for the first five years. Once that period ends, a monthly fee of 1.75% kicks in, rising each year by the Consumer Price Index plus 2%. That is why plenty of Aylesbury homeowners choose to remortgage or sell before the five-year anniversary, so they are not caught by those extra costs. Our valuation gives a clear view of your equity position before you make that call.

Our team know the Aylesbury market inside out. From the Georgian buildings in the town centre conservation area to the semi-detached and detached homes built in the 1950s and 1960s for London overspill, we see the full range. We also work on newer schemes such as Hampden Fields on Wendover Road, the Canal Quarter at Kingsbrook by Barratt Homes, and Orchard Green by David Wilson Homes.

A valuation starts with a detailed inspection, then we compare the property with recent sales of similar homes in your postcode sector. So, whether it is a flat in HP20 1, a terraced house in HP21 7, or a detached home on one of the newer developments, our valuers will reach an assessment that reflects the property’s own features and the current Aylesbury market. HP21 7 saw a 9.9% price increase in the last year, while HP20 1 in the town centre recorded a 20% decline, which shows how sharply local conditions can differ.

Homes in Aylesbury tend to use materials common to South East England. Red and orange bricks are the main feature, with some properties built in locally sourced light yellow Gault Clay bricks. Older homes may be of natural stone or flint construction, and roofs range from clay tiles to natural slate, especially in the conservation area, where character matters.

• RICS registered valuers
• Market value assessment
• Help to Buy compliant reports
• Fast turnaround times
• Local market expertise

When our valuers inspect homes across Aylesbury, they often come across a few common defects that can affect value and the final valuation outcome. Knowing what to look for can help you get ready for a Help to Buy valuation and sort out any concerns before the inspection. We always set out any defects in the report, so you get a full picture of the property’s condition.

Damp and mould are among the most common issues we see, particularly in older housing in Aylesbury town centre and in properties from the 1950s and 1960s. It often comes down to poor ventilation, rising damp, or leaks in the roof or pipework. Our valuers will look closely for any signs of damp and make a note in the report, as it can have a significant effect on value and the lender’s decision. In the conservation area, homes with original features can be especially vulnerable if renovation work has not dealt with the moisture problem at its source.

Because Aylesbury sits on clay-rich soils that are prone to shrink-swell behaviour, our valuers also keep a close eye out for any sign of subsidence or structural movement. Clay expands in wet weather and contracts in dry periods, and that can shift foundations and open cracks in walls. This is regarded as the most damaging geohazard in Britain, and climate change is expected to increase shrink-swell risk by 50% across Europe by 2040. We pay particular attention where the ground conditions are hardest to manage.

Flood risk also needs to be considered in parts of Aylesbury. The Bear Brook and its tributaries, including areas around Wendover and Weston Turville, are prone to flooding, and the River Thame creates a risk from Long Marston to North Aylesbury. The Willows Estate in Aylesbury is classed as flood-prone and has active flood defence measures in place. Surface water flooding remains a real issue in the low-lying Aylesbury Vale catchments. Our valuers will record any evidence of past flooding or flood damage and factor that into the valuation.

We also find roof damage caused by ageing tiles or storm damage, inefficient heating systems, especially in period homes, faulty electrics that may no longer meet current regulations, and damaged plaster. Georgian or Victorian properties can need a more detailed review to judge condition, while newer homes in places like Kingsbrook or Hampden Fields usually have fewer defects, though they can still have the snagging issues typical of new builds. Those new build schemes often bring their own considerations too, including leasehold terms and management fees.

• Damp and mould
• Structural cracks or subsidence
• Roof and gutter damage
• Inefficient heating systems
• Faulty electrics
• Flood risk considerations