What are the different types of property valuation?

Last updated: August 25, 2026

Are you looking to find out the value of your home? This guide explains how each type of property valuation works, what it’s used for, and when you might want to choose it.

Property valuation types

Valuation type	What it takes into consideration	What it doesn’t consider	Best stage to use it
Instant Valuation	Property type, location, local market data, historic property information and comparable homes	Recent renovations, décor, property condition, unique features not captured in available data	Early research, curiosity, planning a future move
Online Agent Valuation	Information you provide about your home, photos, property features, and local agent expertise	A full physical inspection of the property	When you’re considering selling but aren’t ready for a home visit
In-person agent valuation	Property condition, improvements, layout, presentation, local demand and agent expertise	It is still an estimate and not a formal survey	When preparing to sell your home
Mortgage lender valuation	Property value from a lending perspective and whether the home provides suitable security for the mortgage	Detailed condition issues and your future plans for the home	After a mortgage application has been submitted
Home survey with valuation	Property condition, structural issues, defects, market value and surveyor expertise	Estate agent marketing insight or selling strategy	When buying a property and seeking an independent assessment

What is a property valuation?

A property valuation is an estimate of what a property is worth at a particular point in time.

There are five main valuation types that each use different information and approaches to estimate a property’s value. Some focus on data and looking at similar properties, while others involve professionals inspecting the property, remotely or in person.

You can look at each type of valuation as a tool designed for a specific situation. So it’s good to understand what each kind of valuation gives you, and when you might need a different type.

If you’re just exploring your options, a quick online estimate might be enough. However, if you’re preparing to put your home on the market, you’ll probably want a more detailed assessment from a local estate agent.

What is an Instant Valuation?

An Instant Online Valuation is the quickest way to get an estimate of what a property could be worth. This will give you an instant estimate and is designed for homeowners who are thinking about selling or are simply curious about their home’s value.

Instant valuation can also be used to estimate the value of any home you might be interested in, for example, a friend, neighbour or relative’s house.

Instant valuations use available property information and local market data to generate an estimate within seconds.

Get an Instant Valuation if you are:

• Wondering how much your home’s value may have changed since you bought it
• Starting to think about moving
• Comparing the value of different properties
• Looking for a rough guide before seeking professional advice
• Curious about the value of any property

Because an Instant Valuation relies on available data, it may not take into account recent improvements you’ve made, such as a new kitchen or bathroom. For this reason, think of it as a useful starting point rather than a final selling price.

Rightmove’s Instant Valuation is an automated estimate based on available property and market data. It is intended as a guide only and should not be treated as a professional valuation, mortgage valuation, survey, or financial advice. A property’s actual sale price may be higher or lower depending on its condition, location, market demand and other factors.

Getting a Rightmove Instant Valuation

Rightmove’s Instant Valuation tool is powered by data from HM Land Registry, Registers of Scotland, and our millions of listings.

You can track the value of saved properties over time*, and choose to receive email alerts to keep track of future changes. You can also keep track of the equity you have built up in a property by adding your mortgage details.

*These figures are indicative and may change as market conditions, property information and mortgage details change.

Check what your home’s worth

What is an Online Agent Valuation?

An Online Agent Valuation sits between an Instant Valuation and an in-person valuation.

Instead of relying purely on data, you provide additional information about your property, including photos and details about its condition and features. Local estate agents can then review this information and provide their valuation remotely.

However, an Online Agent Valuation is based on the information and photographs you provide, together with the agent’s local market knowledge. It does not replace an in-person inspection, formal survey, mortgage valuation or financial advice.

The Online Agent Valuation can be seen as a useful ‘middle step’ between an online instant valuation and an in-person agent valuation. You’ll receive a free valuation that can take specific features of your home into account, based on the information you provide and any alterations you’ve made, and the agent’s expert view on your local market.

Online Agent Valuation can be useful if:

• You’re considering selling but aren’t ready to invite agents into your home
• You’ve recently renovated and want those improvements taken into account
• You’d like input from local property professionals
• You want a more personalised estimate than an Instant Valuation

Getting an Online Agent Valuation through MyRightmove

If you have a MyRightmove account and have claimed or tracked your home, you can access valuation services directly from your property dashboard. You’ll be asked to provide details about your home and upload photographs that help agents understand its condition and features.

Agents can then respond with their estimate and comments, allowing you to compare professional opinions while remaining in control of the process.

Get your property assessed with an Online Agent Valuation.

When do I need an in-person agent valuation?

An in-person agent valuation is often the most useful valuation when you’re actively preparing to sell.

During the visit, an estate agent will inspect your property, looking at its condition and features. They will combine this with their knowledge of the local market to give you a more accurate valuation of its sales value.

The agent can also take into account things like whether you need to sell quickly or are willing to hold out to try to achieve a higher figure.

An in-person valuation allows agents to consider factors that online systems may miss, including:

• The condition of the property
• Quality of renovations and improvements
• The kerb appeal of the property  
• Natural light and layout
• Current buyer demand in your area

The in-person valuation also gives you the opportunity to ask questions about local market conditions and discuss your plans and timelines for selling. Most estate agents offer valuations free of charge and without any obligation to instruct them.

Get a free valuation from an agent

What is a mortgage lender valuation?

A mortgage lender valuation serves a different purpose from the valuations above.

When you apply for a mortgage, the lender needs to understand whether the property gives suitable security for the loan they’re considering offering to you. They may carry out a valuation to assess this.

Importantly, a lender valuation is primarily for the lender’s benefit, not the buyer’s. It is not intended to be a detailed inspection of the property’s condition.

A lender valuation is for the lender’s assessment of security and should not be relied on by the buyer as a survey or as confirmation of the property’s condition or market value for their own purposes.

If you’re buying a home, it’s important to understand how a lender valuation differs from a survey. Find out more in our guide to mortgage lender valuations.

When should I get a home survey with valuation?

A home survey with valuation is carried out by an independent surveyor.

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) surveys are available at three different levels. Level 2 surveys are the most popular for buyers and offer valuation as an option. Level 1 and 3 surveys don’t tend to offer a valuation, although some firms may offer this on request.

Unlike an estate agent valuation, a survey valuation focuses on both the property’s condition and its market value. The surveyor is independent and provides an objective assessment based on their inspection and professional expertise.

The three levels of survey go into different levels of detail, but might identify:

• Structural concerns
• Signs of damp
• Roofing issues
• Maintenance requirements
• Defects that could affect value

This can be particularly valuable for buyers who want a clearer understanding of the property’s condition before committing to a purchase. A survey valuation may differ from an estate agent valuation because the surveyor’s role is not to market the property or advise on a sales strategy.

Which property valuation should you choose?

The best valuation depends on where you are in your property journey. The table below shows you which type of valuation to choose for different stages of the property buying or selling process.

Type of valuation	Best for
Instant Valuation	Getting a quick estimate
Online Agent Valuation	Receiving expert input without a home visit
In-person agent valuation	Preparing to sell your home
Mortgage lender valuation	Securing a mortgage
Home survey with valuation	Understanding a property’s condition and value before buying

Many homeowners use more than one valuation type. For example, you might start with an Instant Valuation, move on to an Online Agent Valuation, and then arrange an in-person valuation when you’re ready to sell.

Using the right valuation at the right time can help you make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.

FAQs

• What are the five types of property valuation and which one do I need?

  The five main types of property valuation are:

  1. Instant Valuation
  2. Online Agent Valuation
  3. In-person agent valuation
  4. Lender valuation
  5. Home survey with valuationThe type of valuation you need depends on the stage of buying or selling you are at. For example, Instant Valuation gives you an idea of the value of your home when you’re considering selling, while an in-person agent valuation gives a more accurate valuation based on the agent’s inspection and local expertise.

• What is a mortgage lender valuation and how is it different from an estate agent valuation?

  A mortgage lender valuation is primarily for the lender’s benefit, not the buyer’s. The lender may carry out the valuation to understand whether the property gives suitable security for the loan they are offering you.

• Can I use an instant online valuation for a mortgage application?

  A consumer-facing online estimate is not accepted as a mortgage valuation. Your lender will decide what type of valuation is required for your mortgage application.

• What is a home survey with valuation and when do I need one?

  A home survey with valuation is an in-person RICS survey and valuation conducted by a chartered surveyor. It gives buyers a detailed view on the condition of a property and a valuation of the property from the surveyor’s perspective.

• What is the difference between a mortgage valuation survey and a home buyer's survey?

  A mortgage valuation survey is conducted by the mortgage lender to make sure that the property is worth the amount they are lending. A home buyer’s survey is an assessment made by a chartered surveyor and paid for by the buyer in order to check the condition of the property.

Check what your home’s worth