The starting point
A meaningful valuation quotation depends on the property, purpose, date, intended recipients and work required. Ask for the scope, total charges and reporting timetable in writing. An inspection date alone is not a promise that the report will be ready that day.
Give enough information for a useful quotation
An address and the word “valuation” may not be enough. A report for a family buyout can involve different requirements from sales advice, an estate instruction or evidence for proceedings. A house with adjoining land also raises different questions from a straightforward dwelling.
Start with the property description, purpose, required date, intended recipients and deadline. Include the requesting adviser’s written requirements. That allows the professional to assess suitability and identify missing information before quoting.
Compare the work, not just the total
Ask whether the proposed service includes an inspection, a written report, separate figures for different interests, and responses to reasonable factual queries. Establish whether travel, additional research, supplementary work or attendance are included or charged separately. Confirm the tax treatment of the quoted amount and any payment terms.
For regulated property services, the PSRA’s engagement guidance says the agreement should identify the services and costs (PSRA, 2023). For any valuation instruction, a clear written scope avoids treating assumptions as promises.
Separate appointment, analysis and delivery
An available inspection slot is only one part of the timetable. Relevant documents may be missing; access may be needed to another parcel; evidence may require investigation. If a solicitor or other body has a deadline, disclose it at the first enquiry.
Ask what information must be received before the reporting period can be confirmed. Record how any change will be communicated. A realistic timetable is more useful than an immediate assurance that ignores the work still to be done.
Say when the question changes
A report commissioned for one purpose may later be requested for another. A new recipient, a different valuation date or a court attendance requirement can change the instruction. Ask about that change before forwarding the report as if its scope had automatically expanded.
Similarly, newly disclosed land, a tenancy or a significant condition issue may require further work. Clarify the revised scope, cost and timing before proceeding.
A five-line enquiry that helps
Describe the property and location. State why you need the report. Identify the date at which value is required. Name the intended recipient and any deadline. Say what plans, previous reports or written requirements are available.
This website does not publish a universal fee or turnaround promise. The purpose of the initial discussion is to establish the work that can appropriately be offered and the terms on which it can be undertaken.
References
Download this article’s reference list ↓
Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA) (2023) Letters of engagement. Available at: Letters of engagement (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.
Put the guidance into practice
Explore the relevant service and what to prepareThe wider picture
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