Shared Ownership Valuation in Kettering

Shared ownership homes need a specialist valuation because the figure has to cover both the full market value of the property and the exact equity share being bought or sold. It is not the same as a standard residential valuation. For shared ownership, we work out what your share is worth from the proportion you own and the housing association's remaining share, so you pay the correct amount when staircasing, or receive the right amount when selling.

In Kettering, where flats can be around £125,000 and detached homes can reach nearly £400,000, that calculation matters. Our RICS qualified surveyors know the local market well, including recent movement around Kettering Station, where values have risen 8% above the 2019 peak of £239,565. We prepare detailed reports that are accepted by housing associations and mortgage lenders.

Buying a larger share, selling the share you already own, or checking the value of your equity all call for a clear, reliable figure. We also carry out valuations for shared ownership remortgaging, which may help you release equity or secure a better mortgage rate. The process is straightforward, and we guide you through each stage so you have the paperwork your housing association or lender will need.

Demand in Kettering has picked up with commuters attracted by direct rail services to London St Pancras, and the Kettering Station area has shown especially strong price growth. In a market like that, accuracy matters, because values can move quickly. Our surveyors take account of current conditions and recent sales in your own neighbourhood when putting your report together.

• Staircasing to full ownership
• Selling your shared ownership share
• Remortgaging your shared ownership property
• Help to Buy equity loan decisions
• Shared ownership resale valuations

Kettering has seen shared ownership homes offered on developments such as Hanwood Park, delivered by Orbit Homes. That site is now sold out, but shared ownership property is still available in the town through different housing associations. home.co.uk and Share to Buy currently list shared ownership homes in Kettering, including new-build options and resale properties with shares starting from as little as 25%.

Good transport links have made the town more appealing to buyers. Kettering railway station has direct services to London St Pancras, which keeps demand strong among commuters. In the Kettering Station area, the average property price has risen 4% compared with the previous year. For shared owners, that sort of growth can make staircasing a sound financial move, but only if the valuation is accurate and the amount paid or received for the share is correct.

Our surveyors know the range of housing found in Kettering, from modern terrace houses to older homes around the town centre. We understand the effect that distance to the station, school catchments and access to the town centre can have on values. That local knowledge, backed by our RICS qualification, helps us produce valuations you can rely on. We regularly assess common Kettering construction types too, from traditional brick-built Victorian homes to newer timber-framed developments.

Kettering's population is around 81,000, and the town serves both commuters and families. The economy is varied, with major employers spanning software development and food manufacturing, which helps support the housing market and local jobs. Road access is another advantage, with the A14 and A43 linking the town to places such as Northampton, Leicester and Milton Keynes for those travelling by car.

One of the main reasons shared owners in Kettering contact us is staircasing. It means buying more shares in your property until you own 100% of the home. As incomes rise, many people choose this route to increase their ownership and cut the rent paid to the housing association. Our valuation provides the formal figure the housing association needs to price those extra shares.

A valuation is also commonly needed when you are selling your shared ownership share. In most cases, the housing association has the first opportunity to find a buyer, often through its own nomination process. Our report gives the evidence needed to set a fair asking price for your share. The resale route can be involved, with restrictions on eligible buyers and rules around updated valuations, and we can explain what is likely to happen.

Remortgaging shared ownership property is becoming more common, particularly where owners want to release equity or move to a better interest rate. Some lenders now have products designed for shared ownership homes, and a current RICS valuation is often part of the application. We work with reports for the lenders active in this area of the market and can provide valuations that meet their requirements.

On the day, our chartered surveyor will arrive at your Kettering property at the arranged time and will need access to every room. That includes any accessible loft space, plus outbuildings or garages that form part of the property. It helps if you have documents ready, such as the lease agreement, planning permissions for extensions or alterations, and records of recent improvements.

During the inspection, we measure each room and take photographs for the report. We record the general condition of the property, including walls, floors, ceilings, windows and doors. Any notable defects or maintenance issues are included because they can influence value. Outside, we also assess the roof, walls, gutters, boundaries and any shared areas.

Once the site visit is done, we move on to the analysis. We compare your home with recently sold properties in Kettering, concentrating on similar types in your area, then make adjustments for size, condition and features to reach the market value. Throughout the process, we keep things straightforward and communicate clearly at each stage.