Ask who needs the information
“I need the house valued” is a reasonable starting point, but it leaves an important question unanswered: who needs the information, and for what decision? A lender considering a loan, a buyer considering a purchase and an owner checking buildings cover are asking different things.
Before commissioning work, obtain any written requirements from the intended recipient. This can prevent the expense and delay of ordering a report that does not meet its purpose.
A valuation for the lender
The SCSI explains that a mortgage valuation is undertaken for the lender’s benefit, to inform its lending decision (SCSI, n.d.-a). The lender may require a particular appointment process, report format and approved valuer.
For mortgage switching, the CCPC specifically advises that the new provider will require a formal valuation from an approved valuer (CCPC, n.d.-c). Confirm the arrangements with the bank before booking. An agent’s general appraisal or a privately commissioned report should not be assumed to satisfy them.
An independent report for your own decision
A buyer or owner may want a separate opinion to inform a purchase, private sale or other decision. Define the property interest, date and intended use. The report should explain the evidence and the assumptions on which the conclusion depends.
Ask who will be permitted to rely on it. If a lender, solicitor or other party is expected to use the report, raise that at the instruction stage. Paying for a report does not automatically make it suitable for every later recipient or purpose.
Condition needs its own attention
A valuation may take account of the property’s apparent condition and information supplied. It should not be assumed to provide the detailed investigation associated with a building survey. The CCPC treats the structural survey as a separate part of understanding a property purchase (CCPC, n.d.-b).
If there are concerns about movement, moisture, the roof, services or alterations, identify the appropriate survey or professional investigation. Relevant findings can then be supplied to the valuer where they affect the agreed instruction.
Buildings insurance concerns rebuilding cost
An insurance reinstatement assessment considers the cost of rebuilding on the relevant basis. The amount a property might sell for is not a substitute for that assessment. Land value and market demand can affect a sale figure without telling you what reconstruction would cost.
The SCSI’s rebuilding guidance includes important limits: its general calculator is intended for particular estate-type houses, with other properties requiring suitable professional advice (SCSI, 2025). A bespoke country house, period property or apartment should not be forced into a generic calculator assumption. Ask an appropriately qualified cost professional about the assessment needed.
A short checklist before you commission
Write down the purpose, the intended recipient and any approval or panel requirement. Confirm whether the question concerns market value, property condition or rebuilding cost. Agree the scope, fee and timing with the appropriate professional.
If you are unsure, explain the decision in ordinary language. “The bank has asked for this report”, “I want an independent view before buying” and “I need to check my buildings cover” each provide a clearer starting point than asking for an unspecified valuation.
References
Download this article’s reference list ↓
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) (n.d.-c) A guide to switching your mortgage. Available at: A guide to switching your mortgage (Accessed: 1 November 2026).
Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) (n.d.-a) Bank valuation. Available at: Bank valuation (Accessed: 1 November 2026).
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) (n.d.-b) Understanding mortgages: Structural survey. Available at: Understanding mortgages: Structural survey (Accessed: 1 November 2026).
Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) (2025) A guide to calculating house rebuilding costs for insurance purposes (2025/26). Available at: A guide to calculating house rebuilding costs for insurance purposes (2025/26) (Accessed: 1 November 2026).
Further reading
Wyatt, P. (2022) Property Valuation. 3rd edn. Wiley-Blackwell. 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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