Agree the question before discussing the figure
A proposed buyout can arise between separating partners, siblings, relatives or other co-owners. It may also form part of the winding down of a shared investment. The circumstances differ, but a useful first step is to agree what the valuation should assess.
Fothergill’s discussion of valuation practice places the purpose and basis of value at the centre of a properly defined instruction (Fothergill, 2026). For a buyout, that means identifying the property, the relevant interest, the date and the people who will be entitled to rely on the report.
The property value is one part of the agreement
A market-value opinion can support negotiations. It does not, by itself, establish each person’s legal entitlement or the amount to be paid. Mortgages, tax, costs and other matters may need to be addressed by the parties and their advisers.
I would keep those questions visible rather than allow them to become hidden assumptions. If a solicitor needs a valuation of the whole property, the report should say so. If the instruction concerns a particular interest, that should be explicit and the valuer should have the appropriate expertise.
Consider how the instruction will work
Where the parties are considering a joint instruction, agree the appointment and communication arrangements beforehand. Establish who supplies documents, how questions will be handled, who receives the report and how the fee is dealt with.
Jointly commissioning work does not mean jointly choosing the answer. An independent opinion must follow the evidence. If one party provides information that may affect value, there should be an agreed way to make that information available within the instruction.
Make access and assumptions practical
Tell the valuer about occupancy, tenancies, alterations, access difficulties and any significant defect or planning question already identified. Provide available plans and relevant reports. Explain whether any proposed change in occupation is part of the assumption being requested.
An inspection should be arranged through an appropriate contact. In a sensitive family situation, a calm and agreed process is preferable to leaving access and communication to be negotiated on the doorstep. The valuer should record limitations rather than imply that inaccessible areas were fully examined.
Allow for the wider process
If negotiations take time or the proposed transaction changes, ask whether the valuation needs to be updated. A report is tied to its date and stated purpose. It should not be treated as a permanent figure that applies to every later arrangement.
Where family-law proceedings are involved, the solicitor should confirm the applicable court rules and directions. The Circuit Court has its own family-law rules (Courts Service, n.d.-b). A private discussion and court evidence may require different instructions.
What to send with an enquiry
A useful starting point is the address, the ownership information available from the solicitor, the interest to be valued and the proposed date. Explain whether the parties are considering one joint report or separate advice, and identify any deadline.
The aim is to provide a well-explained opinion that helps the discussion move forward. It cannot promise agreement between the parties, but a clear scope and a transparent account of the evidence can reduce avoidable uncertainty.
References
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Fothergill, J. (2026) When is a figure a valuation? Understanding scope, purpose and basis under Red Book. Available at: When is a figure a valuation? Understanding scope, purpose and basis under Red Book (Accessed: 1 November 2026).
Courts Service (n.d.-b) Circuit Court Rules, Order 59: Family law. Available at: Circuit Court Rules, Order 59: Family law (Accessed: 1 November 2026).
Further reading
Wyatt, P. (2022) Property Valuation. 3rd edn. Wiley-Blackwell. Edition, context & purchase links View / buy at publisher
Wylie, J.C.W. (2020) Wylie on Irish Land Law. 6th edn. Bloomsbury Professional. Edition, context & purchase links View / buy at publisher
Books listed for further reading have not necessarily been consulted in full. See the reading room for the basis of each recommendation.
General information for Irish property matters. The requirements of a particular instruction should be discussed with the appropriate professional. Editorial approach and source policy.
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