Put the question into words
The most useful opening sentence is often the simplest: “My solicitor needs a value at this date for this purpose.” It tells us considerably more than “I need the house valued”. Before talking about the figure, establish what decision the report is intended to support and who is expected to rely on it.
For a home in Strokestown, a commercial unit in Longford or land near Dromod, the same practical discipline applies. An address identifies a place; it does not, on its own, identify the legal interest, the relevant date or the scope of the work.
Agree what the instruction covers
The RICS terms-of-engagement framework sets out a structured approach to the purpose, property, basis and date of a valuation, intended users, investigation and reporting. It is designed for suitably qualified practitioners and must be adapted to the instruction (RICS, 2025). Referencing that framework does not establish that a particular agent holds a RICS designation.
Ask for the agreed scope in writing. Include any special reporting format, recipient requirements, deadline, inspection limitations and attendance needs. If there are two parties or a previous connection with the property, disclose that at the outset so that independence and any conflict can be considered.
Build a small, orderly document pack
Begin with the address and Eircode, a description of the property, the ownership or interest being valued, and the contact details of the person arranging access. Add available plans, leases, planning documents and relevant professional reports. Ask the solicitor to identify the title documents that matter.
For a retrospective instruction, dated photographs and an account of later alterations can be especially useful. Label documents by their actual date and source. If a plan is approximate, say so; if an area has not been measured, leave it as an open question. An honest gap in the file is easier to deal with than a confident but unsupported assumption.
Keep different services clear
A valuation inspection and a building survey have different purposes. The CCPC recommends a structural survey for a purchaser seeking to understand serious defects and the extent of repair work, while noting that it may not identify every problem (CCPC, n.d.-d). Agree which professional will address condition, rather than assuming the valuation covers it.
For regulated estate agency services, the PSRA explains the role of the prescribed Property Services Agreement in recording the service and costs (PSRA, 2023). A standalone valuation also needs suitable agreed terms; the correct paperwork depends on the work being undertaken.
Finish with the practical arrangements
Confirm who can grant access, whether the property is occupied and whether there are areas that cannot be inspected safely. Identify who will answer follow-up questions and who can approve changes to the brief. Avoid sending sensitive family or financial papers unless they are relevant and a suitable method of sharing has been agreed.
A well-prepared instruction does not predetermine the value. It gives the valuer a clearer question to answer and gives you a better basis for understanding what the eventual report does, and does not, cover.
References
Download this article’s reference list ↓
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) (2025) Framework: terms of engagement. Available at: Framework: terms of engagement (Accessed: 1 November 2026).
Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA) (2023) Letters of engagement. Available at: Letters of engagement (Accessed: 1 November 2026).
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) (n.d.-d) First-time buyer guide: Step 6 – Make an offer. Available at: First-time buyer guide: Step 6 – Make an offer (Accessed: 1 November 2026).
Further reading
Wyatt, P. (2022) Property Valuation. 3rd edn. Wiley-Blackwell. Edition, context & purchase links View / buy at publisher
Shapiro, E., Mackmin, D. and Sams, G. (2019) Modern Methods of Valuation. 12th edn. Estates Gazette. Edition, context & purchase links View / buy at publisher
Wylie, J.C.W. and Woods, U. (2020) Irish Conveyancing Law. 4th 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.
Put the guidance into practice
Explore the relevant service and what to prepareThe wider picture
Follow a guided reading route around this question.