Can you prove whether your house is up to scratch? Buyers want to know their new home is as safe as it is spacious, so having the right safety documents can help you secure considerable value.

In this article, we’ll break down what you need to know about EICR certificates to help you uncover an overlooked sales angle. We’ll also share some other property tips like what to do when you don’t have an EICR and how to find the right estate agent to help. 

## What are EICR certificates, and what are they for?
‘EICR’ stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report. As the name suggests, EICR certificates summarise the health of your property’s electrical infrastructure and how safe it is. EICRs tests all permanent electrical fixtures in a property, including:

- The electricity meter
- Major fittings like the fuse box, sockets, and lights
- Any visible or exposed wiring within the property
- Heating and safety equipment, like boilers, panel heaters, showers, and hard-wired smoke detectors

EICRs don’t consider appliances like white goods, kitchen and personal appliances, televisions, etc., as they’re not fixed within the property. Instead, they fall under the portable appliance test (PAT) requirements.

EICR certificates are only required for landlords and rental properties. The certificates ensure that any property’s electrical features won’t cause fire or injure tenants. However, a similar framework (the Electrical Installation Certificate or EIC and Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate or MEIWC) exists for residential property sellers.

Selling a property that doesn’t comply with British electrical safety standards can be considered a criminal offence. Sellers, therefore, must find a way for all electrical fixtures to comply with the [BS7671 standard](https://electrical.theiet.org/bs-7671/building-regulations/).

EICs, MEIWCs and EICRs each satisfy the BS7671 requirement (although in slightly different ways), so it’s vital you know how each one works to ensure you’re compliant before you start selling. Note that you may not need an EICR certificate if you have EIC/MEIWC certificates covering any electrical work you’ve had done since 2005. We explain why in the next section.

## What’s the difference between an EICR and an EIC?

EICs and MEIWCs (Electrical Installation Certificates and Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificates) verify that any newly completed electrical work is safe as and when it was completed. They should be provided to you within 30 days of the work’s completion and can only be issued by the qualified electrician who conducted the renovation. 

The difference is, EICRs are retrospective: they test electrical features regardless of whether they were certified as safe upon completion. EICRs may be useful to you if you need to certify older electrical works before certifications were required (pre-2005), or because you’ve since lost copies of EICs you need.

Since 2013, if an installation is completed by an unregistered electrician (and as a result can’t legally certify the safety), the work will need to be examined and certified within five days by a registered third party. After confirming the quality of the work, the third party will issue an EICR, rather than an EIC or MEIWC.

## How can I get an EICR certificate, and how much do they cost?

You can only get an EICR certificate completed by a registered electrical contractors or third party certifiers. You can search the UK-wide [NICEIC database](http://www.niceic.com/householder/find-a-contractor) and Scottish [SELECT database](https://www.select.org.uk/SELECT/Find-a-member/SELECT/PostcodeSearch/PostCodeSearch.aspx?hkey=9ad83e00-5ec9-4353-82f6-0e55991406d7) directly or use an online search engine to find a qualified contractor in your area.

EICR certificate costs can vary by region, the business you use and the rates they charge. Some suppliers charge a flat-rate fee while others charge according to the scope of the work.

## How long is an EICR certificate valid for?

EICR certificates are valid for a maximum of five years across the UK. If you’re looking to use an EICR to sell your home, it’s unlikely that your property will be on the market that long. However, you may not need to certify your property if you’re reselling it again within five years of the last one being issued or you’ve not had any additional electrical work done.

You’ll only need to notify your local building control authority and recertify your home if you’ve:

1. Installed a new electrical circuit somewhere in your home (regardless of its voltage)
2. Replaced or added a fuse box
3. Added or altered an existing circuit in any special locations (such as bathrooms, wet rooms, or swimming pools)

Use the following links for building control authorities in [England and Wales](https://www.labc.co.uk/), [Scotland](https://www.labss.org/) and [Northern Ireland](http://www.buildingcontrol-ni.com/).

## Do I need an EICR to sell my house?

No you do not need an EICR to sell your house but some form of documentation verifying that the property is compliant with BS7671 is necessary if electrical works have been undertaken since 2005. EICRs are one way homeowners can verify the safety of their properties, but they are not specifically required by law. Instead, homeowners can use copies of EICs and MEIWCs for any relevant works. 

Buyers familiar with EICRs may appreciate the more recent appraisal of your property’s safety. Therefore, this recency could be a useful sales tactic for safety-conscious buyers looking for more peace of mind and EICs allow alone. 

## Do I need an EICR to rent my house?
Yes from 1st April 2021, all tenancies will require an EICR if you want to rent your house. As long as your EICR is less than 5 years old it is valid, if not, you'll need to get a new one.

### Let sparks fly with buyers, not boilers

Make sure your property is electrically certified and sell your home with ease. Collect the right documents before you go to market and impress buyers with your solid track record of safe renovations.

Source a registered local electrician to help fill in any documentation gaps and consider how an experienced estate agent can help you with any other safety requirements before you go to market.

## Compare local estate agent in seconds

Finding an experienced estate agent who can advise you on the sales process can be difficult. Although you may have bought before, selling is everything in reverse.

Enter your details in our checker below and we’ll compare local agents in seconds. You can choose between speed, price and experience all in one dashboard to find the best available agent.

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wiring in a house and fuse box

Everything you need to know about EICR certificates, if you need one and what to do if you don't have one.

What is an EICR certificate? | Do I need one to sell a house?

What is an EICR certificate, and do you need one to sell your house?

If you’re thinking of selling your house, it’s in your interest to make it serviceable to future owners. Most buyers want a home they can move into with as little work needed as possible. Without fixing some bits, you can seriously limit the number of potential buyers.

On the other hand, there are some things that simply aren’t worth fixing - and fixing them could leave you out of pocket with not much return on your investment.

### Before you consider any home improvements make sure you…

**1. Assess the costs of selling**

Selling your home can be lucrative, but it can be expensive too. Make sure you’ve got a good idea of the costs of selling before you decide to make any home improvements. They might cost more than you expect, especially when paired with other fees you pay at the end of a sale (conveyancers, estate agents and mortgage repayments).

**2. Check the state of the property market**

In seller’s markets, properties sell quickly, even if they need a couple of improvements. That said, a poorly maintained and damaged home will underperform in any type of market.

**3. Evaluate similar properties**

After evaluating your home, your estate agent will provide you with a report containing both their valuation, and an analysis of recently sold properties (that are similar to yours) in the local area. Using this information, you can easily see where your property stands in the local market, and whether it’s worth making any changes.

If you’re looking for a quick idea of your property’s worth, try our free [House Valuation Tool](https://www.getagent.co.uk/online-valuation). With just a few details about your home, we provide an estimate of its value completely free of charge.

### What shouldn’t you fix when you sell your house?

Without further ado, here are the main things you should avoid fixing if you’re considering selling your house.

**1. Don’t spend too much on replacing old appliances**

Unless it’s on its last legs, you should try to avoid replacing old appliances. However, some appliances, like boilers, will need replacements to boost the outcome of the surveyor’s report. You don’t have to spend loads to replace these items - second hand appliances are perfectly legal, provided they’re in good working condition. Plus, many people decide to bring their white goods with them, so don’t worry too much about appliances like fridges.

**Remember**: Never shirk out on safety appliances. Make sure your smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector and other safety devices are in full working condition.

**2. Don’t go over the top with decorating**

There’s usually a fine line between too much and too little, but a good example of ‘too much’ is aggressive home staging. Home staging is the practice of framing your home’s interior to look more appealing to potential buyers. While for most people, this simply means decluttering and cleaning, some homesellers take it a step further by moving old furniture into storage and renting out new furniture to better present their home.

We strongly advise against this. New colours and furniture can completely change the dynamic of your home, while looking both false and unsettling. A simple touch up of paint can work wonders. Bring out the best in your home by revitalising existing colour schemes. 

While a completely new paint job might not be ideal for the interior, painting your door a different colour is a good way to add value to your home. It’s the first thing people will see when they view your home after all. Neutral colours, such as greys and navy blues are always a good choice.

**3. Avoid last minute big home improvements**

Cracks and scratches can be easily fixed, but some issues require big projects which could cost you time and money. Properties are expected to have some wear and tear, and replacing countertops and flooring can be expensive. You could be better off lowering the price of your home rather than spending ages fixing all the details.

This extends to partial upgrades. You might be thinking of getting a new sink or mantelpiece, but they will look out of place if the rest of the room isn’t as new. You’re not doing enough to add value, but you’re doing enough to point out the flaws in the rest of the room. It’s better to give the furnishing a new lick of paint or tidy it away in storage.

**4. Fixing small electrical issues**

It goes without saying that big electrical problems can be dangerous and should be addressed right away. But if your problem consists of a faulty light switch, you might be better off leaving it be. Every property on the market comes with its issues, and some issues, like faulty switches or broken doorbells, pass easily on a surveyor’s inspection.

**5. Fixing small things if your property is badly maintained**

If the home you’re selling is in extremely poor condition, this isn’t something that can be fixed for cheap. In such a scenario, your best course of action should be to lower the price of your home enough to attract multiple offers from different contractors.

### There’s nothing wrong with a deep clean and declutter…

If you’re thinking of selling your home, remember - there’s nothing wrong with the basics. It’s surprising how much a deep clean and declutter can boost your property’s success during house viewings.

For more information on the things you can do to add value to your home, check out our guide article, ‘[How can I make my home more valuable?](https://www.getagent.co.uk/guide/preparing/adding-value)’

A woman using a roller to paint the wall of her home.

What not to fix when selling a house

If you’re thinking of selling your house, it’s important to make it serviceable to future owners - but there’s some things that simply aren’t worth fixing.

What not to fix when selling your house

At GetAgent, our technical team is always hard at work. We’re constantly developing new resources to help people achieve their dream sale. Over 300,000 homesellers have found our [Estate Agent Comparison software](https://www.getagent.co.uk/vendor "Estate agent comparison software") useful, but this isn't all we have to offer. 

One of the most innovative tools we’ve created is the [Live Listing Monitor](https://www.getagent.co.uk/listing "Live listing monitor"). Like our comparison software, it’s free - but that’s not their only similarity. The Agent Comparison tool prioritises factual data over rough estimates, and the Live Listing Monitor is no different.

How does the Live Listing Monitor work, and more importantly, how can it help you? Let’s take a look in closer detail and examine some of its key features.

### Why we made the Live Listing Monitor

For most of us, our homes are the largest sales we’ll make. Unfortunately, time and money often work against us, leading to a loss of control over our sale. This often happens after your online advert (or listing) goes live on property portals. If you live at your property, you can probably count the number of viewings you’ve had. However, questions about your listing's performance can go unanswered. It’s impossible to know how it compares to other listings or if you’re on the right track to selling.

That’s where our Live Listing Monitor comes in. Using data from your property portal (such as Rightmove or Zoopla) and the Land Registry, the tool analyses your listing's performance. All the latest facts and figures are visible in an easy-to-read format.

### How does the Live Listing Monitor work?

The Live Listing Monitor is a complex piece of software. Several script programmes run throughout the day, collecting data from major property portals. These include the UK’s biggest property portals, Rightmove, Zoopla and OnTheMarket. 

When you enter your listing URL (the web address of your online advert), we run this information against the data we’ve collected. A key piece of information we use is the property’s Unique Delivery Point Reference Number, or UDPRN. This is a unique ID number assigned to every door number in the UK, introduced by Royal Mail in 2004. We analyse this information using our algorithm to provide you with accurate, easy-to-digest statistics on your advert's performance.

### What does the data mean?

When you run the Live Listing Monitor for the first time, a range of data and statistics will load on your page. The top three boxes are basic indicators of your property’s general performance.

![technical-blog-image-screenshot](//images.contentful.com/us6n8ous4bz0/1jB2t8ndwhj9q1tREtRQb9/32f94611e6c423abeee57cc86aac755a/technical-blog-image-screenshot.jpg)

- **Expected sell by date**: By analysing the local market, we provide users with an expected sale date. You can see whether you're 'on track’ to meet this date, as well as the average conveyancing time for your local area.

- **Live on market**: Here, you can see how long your property has been on the market (number of months, weeks, days). We show the date your listing first went live, as well as the average selling time in your local area.

- **Property price**: Like your online listing, we show the current asking price of your property. Attached to this is a sticker that says if your price is higher or lower than the average price of similar homes in the area. If you hover over this stat, you can reveal further data, including the average price of these properties. You can see how much lower or higher your property is than this average.

The next section ‘How’s your online advert doing?’ is based on your online listing’s performance in comparison to other properties in your area. We present this information in four key areas:

![Live listing monitor listing statistics](//images.contentful.com/us6n8ous4bz0/3DVj5xEM7Q4fTpEGU2adHU/6ea0aade0acc5a7281b8111160e2d943/Screenshot_2021-08-10_at_13.45.38.png)

- **Overall performance**: We check the performance of your online listing using data collected from the portal. If your listing is performing as well as other homes in the area, you may get a statement like ‘About average’. If you’re underperforming, it might say ‘Could be better’.

- **Total views**: The number of views your online listing has had.

- **Avg views per day**: The average number of views your listing achieves a day.

- **No. of days online**: How long your property has been online on the property portal.

If there are similar listings to compare against, this section will be accompanied by a graph chart. The number of views your listing and its competitors have obtained is set against the number of days it’s been online. This is a visual indication of your listing’s performance in comparison to other listings.

Finally, we offer a glimpse of the four best agents operating in your local area. 

![updated-agent-image](//images.contentful.com/us6n8ous4bz0/6YY3MDlt4wSS72w7Wxa99T/747f81c298808503bf51ebaa343a6af3/updated-agent-image.jpg)

If your agent is among them, your sale is probably in good hands. We measure the performance of these agents by:

- Average sale time
- Properties listed
- Percentage (%) of asking price achieved

If the agent excels in an area, we award them with an achievement. There are three achievements available:

- Fastest
- Most experienced
- Best valuer

Our achievement system shows you which agent is performing to a high standard. The more accolades an agent receives, the more exceptional they are.

### A look to the future

Our software is always evolving to meet the needs and necessities of homesellers. We asked our Senior Developer, Pradeep Chandrasekaran, what the plans were for future updates:

“Effectiveness and efficiency are our two long-term goals with the Live Listing Monitor. There have been occasions where we’ve had to manually match listings where the system hasn't been able to. We really want to cut that need so homesellers can have the best user experience possible. Essentially, our improvements boil down to making the Monitor as fast and accurate as possible."

The Live Listing Monitor gives homesellers a real opportunity to change the course of their property’s sale. If your property's performance is below average, it might be time to reconsider your estate agent.


Person sitting on the floor browsing the internet with laptop

live-listing-monitor-front-pic-blog

How does our Live Listing Monitor work, and more importantly, how can it help you? Let’s take a look in closer detail and examine some of its key features.

The tech behind our Live Listing Monitor

As we embrace the internet of things (IoT) and home automation, more homeowners are considering whether these features are worth investing in before putting up their properties for sale.

Whether you're at the planning stage and considering what smart home system to use or have already installed one and are looking to sell your property, we'll help you navigate the topic.

### What is a smart home?

Let's start with the basics. A [smart home](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/diy/what-is-a-smart-home) is where different components talk to each other using either wireless or wired digital signals, allowing you to control them with ease from anywhere with Wi-Fi.

For example, imagine being able to close your curtains while you're at the pub having a drink or turning the heating up as you leave the office as the temperature drops.

At the more sophisticated end of the smart home spectrum, imagine your home automation system responding to its environment without you having to do anything. 

Your home would wake you slowly with your favourite music and soft lighting while opening the curtain. In your kitchen, a coffee machine brews a fresh cup of coffee. 

Overall, a smart home system allows you to control lighting, power socket, curtains, heating, vacuuming, opening/shutting gates, home cinema set-ups and more. If it's a repeatable task, there's a high possibility you can automate it!

### What smart home features are buyers looking for?

While not all home buyers are looking for smart features, many people - particularly young professionals - find the modern conveniences of smart homes appealing.

If you’re thinking about adding in some home automation features before selling, we’d suggest starting with the following, most popular options: 

**Security**

You could add a few strategically placed [wireless cameras](https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/wireless-security-cameras/article/how-to-buy-the-best-wireless-security-camera-auuCq0I5JEGZ) around the outside of your home. These activate and start recording when they sense movement nearby. As they connect to your Wi-Fi, you can check your home is safe from anywhere.

Another worthwhile feature to consider is swapping your current door lock for a smart one. These turn your current deadbolt lock into something far more sophisticated. Using access codes that can be [set and deleted remotely](https://www.mydreamhaus.co.uk/are-smart-door-locks-worth-it/), you can control and track who enters your house and when.

**Blinds**

Turning your regular blinds into smart ones is a fairly straightforward and cheap upgrade, as you only need a motor. When choosing a motor, make sure that it’s compatible with your home automation system!

Curtains are much harder to make ‘smart’ as you'll need to replace your curtain poles with automated ones. This is quite an expensive upgrade, so think carefully about the likely return on investment, if you’re thinking about selling soon. 

**Heating**

No homeowner wants to heat their home when it's empty or even vacant rooms for that matter! A smart heating system is not only better for the environment, it’ll dramatically reduce heating bills too - making it an appealing feature for potential buyers. The most basic way to automate your boiler is by changing your thermostat to a smart one. 

As smart thermostats observe how you use your boiler and then start to automatically adjust it to work in line with what it thinks you'll do, your home can respond to your needs.

The next level up is to change all of your radiator valves for smart TRV valves allowing you to control the temperature of each room.

**Lighting**

There are many ways of automating interior lighting. The easiest is to use smart bulbs, which can be controlled either by your smartphone or current light switches.

A more sophisticated upgrade involves replacing your current light switches with smart ones. This allows you to use your existing bulbs in a smart way. For example creating ‘preset scenes’, which allow you to turn on/off multiple lights with a single click.

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### Potential return on investment

If you’re thinking of selling your home in the near future, the most important thing to consider is whether a smart home upgrade will be worth the investment. 

First, think about what features are most desirable for buyers. Security features, such as cameras, are likely to have large appeal. On the other hand, smart speakers - which can be transferred to your new home - are less likely to offer a big value upgrade

Secondly, look for deals when buying smart devices. Many large retailers have regular sales on home automation devices, so it’s worth shopping around, or waiting for things to go on offer. 

Again, focus on adding features that are essential, easy to operate and don't require you to rewire your home to add them. By following these simple steps, you'll improve your chances of making a decent return.

[Read more about the best value-boosting upgrades here](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/diy)

### How to ensure your buyer can use the system from day one

Most potential buyers might want a smart home but don't have a clue where to start or even, what's possible. To ensure buyers understand the value of your home automation system, you'll want to explain it in detail to your estate agent and ensure they include details in the particulars. You may also want to demonstrate your system to the agent, so they can show it off during house viewings.

After you've sold your home, it's worth compiling manuals for every device into a single folder. You should take the time to write up a set of instructions and film some basic videos showing off the system.

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### What to do if your buyer asks you to remove your smart home system before completing the sale

The key to finding a buyer who wants a smart home system is by explaining what it enables you to do. Don't expect the system to sell itself or for the buyer to know exactly how to use it. It’s likely that if you have a good home automation system in place, you’ll end up attracting a buyer that’s excited about the conveniences this will provide. 

If you've explained the system well enough and have demonstrated it properly, and the buyer is still not on board, it’s worth negotiating with them to find a middle ground. You may find that a buyer will be willing to take the smart home system, or remove it themselves, if you offer a concession, such as leaving your white goods, or being flexible on the completion date. 


do-buyers-want-a-smart-home

While not all home buyers are looking for a smart home, many find it an appealing feature. Is it worth adding a home automation system to your home before you sell?

Home automation: Are buyers looking for a smart home?

While not all home buyers are looking for smart features, many people - particularly young professionals - find the modern conveniences of smart homes appealing. Is it worth adding a home automation system to your home before you sell?

Are buyers looking for a smart home?

If you're going to sell your home, you'll need to book an estate agent for a valuation. Valuations are a huge part of the selling process, as they provide an accurate image of your property's worth, which is important for your financial planning and the purchase of your future home. Before you do this however, it's important to learn *how* an agent comes up with a valuation. If you learn the process, it will help you understand your property’s value in the current market.

### How does an estate agent value a property?

When an estate agent values a property they take look at many factors, not just how many bedrooms you have or your local area. So what do estate agents take into account? Do estate agents just pluck a number out of the air? In this article, we're going to demystify the art of property valuation.

To value your property the estate agent will:

1. Ask you questions about your property
2. Consider the location 
3. Use knowledge of the local area and neighbourhood
4. Look at buyer demand
5. Factor in schools and catchment areas
6. Look at transport links
7. Examine the exterior of the property
8. Consider the size and potential of your home
9. Look at any planning permission or extension possibilities
10. Look at the current decoration and decor and potential
11. Look at the condition and size of your bathroom
12. Look at the condition and size of your kitchen
13. See what the outside space and garden are like
14. Look at any parking and garages

### Choosing your estate agent

First things first, you need to pick an estate agent to perform the valuation. We won’t focus too much on this, as we already [discuss the subject extensively here](https://www.getagent.co.uk/guide/estate-agents/choosing-the-right-estate-agent), but it’s important to note a few points of interest. Lots of estate agents offer free valuations, which can be helpful for those with tight funds. However, not all agents have good experience, which is important for an accurate valuation - so choose well! 

Consider:

* Double-checking whether the agent has experience with your type of property

* Enquiring about varying fees

* Checking their percentage of asking prices achieved

We know choosing your agent can be difficult. Our free estate agent comparison tool is one of the most comprehensive and useful tools we offer, with extremely helpful data available to help you decide who to go with.

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### Questions and answers

When your estate agent arrives, they’ll take some time to explore your property. Before they begin, they'll ask some preliminary questions, like what you’re looking for from your sale, for example whether you’re looking for the highest price or the fastest sale. Don't worry, this won't change your home's actual value - but it could affect its marketing price, so it'd be wise to have an appropriate answer.

It's in your best interest to have some answers prepared for the following questions too - and also have some questions of your own.

### What questions will estate agent's ask?

Your estate agent will ask you the following questions when working out the value of your property:

* What features make your house unique?

* How old are the doors and windows?

* How old is your boiler? 

* Is your property a leasehold? If so, how long is left on the lease? And, are there any recurring fees?

* Are there any issues with the home that you’ll need to disclose to buyers, such as structural problems?

### Questions to ask your agent 

* What other houses like mine are currently on the market?

* How much interest are properties like mine currently getting?

* Where do we need to position my home to make it stand out in the local market?

Just as important as the estate agent’s response to these questions is the evidence they use to back up their answers. If your agent is able to provide justifications for their estimate, you can be assured their valuation is likely to be more accurate. This could be examples of similar recently sold properties, or demonstrable experience of selling homes like yours.

### The location

Agents will use their local knowledge of price ceilings to generate an asking price. This is one of the biggest caps on your home's value. It would be almost impossible to sell a 3-bedroom flat for £700,000 in an area where all the other 3-bedroom flats are on sale for around £300,000. It won’t look good value for money.

It should be no surprise that your property's physical location also has a huge effect on its valuation. 

### Your neighbourhood

To put it simply, most buyers want to live in a nice neighbourhood. Things your agent will take into account include:

* **Roads:** How busy are they? Are they free of litter? Are they lined by trees?

* **Noise:** Is your property located near a pub or bar?

* **Convenience:** How close is your home to grocery shops?

* **Buyer demand:** How much demand is there for homes in your area? How much have other properties nearby sold for?

While all of these are important, ‘buyer demand’ is probably the most defining factor for your property’s value. Estate agents will directly compare your property to recently sold properties to see whether it’s more or less attractive. They will also evaluate how quickly properties are selling - if homes are on the market for a long time with zero interest, they are most likely overpriced.

### Schools

The proximity of your house to educational facilities will have a direct effect on how your estate agent evaluates your property. That's because school catchment areas are important for families, as most parents want to give their children the best education they can afford. According to a [study conducted by the Department of Education](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/600623/House_prices_and_schools.pdf), house prices near the top 10% best-performing primary schools were 8.0% higher than in the surrounding area. Near the 10% best-performing non-selective secondary schools, house prices were found to be over 6.8% higher.

### Transport links

Having good transport links close by is vital for a successful property market location. Agents will evaluate how good your location is by checking how convenient the closest links are. This is particularly important if your home is a type generally suited to commuters or young professionals.

### Exterior

How your property looks from the outside plays a factor in the agent's valuation process. The agent will generally compare your home to the other properties on your street to see if it stands out. They may make a couple of recommendations to help boost your home's market potential, especially if the paint is chipped or peeling. 

### Your home’s size and potential

As they explore your property, the estate agent will take notes of key features, including measurements of each room and the number of bedrooms. 
The estate agent will also consider the potential your home has for future developments, like extensions or loft conversions. They do this because they know buyers are more likely to choose properties that offer flexibility. How limited your property's potential is for future change will directly affect its appeal to buyers. The more appealing a property is to potential buyers, the higher your property’s demand will be, which will ultimately increase its value.

### Decoration

The estate agent will examine the general decor of your property, checking for clutter, cleanliness, and the condition of your walls. Like with earlier inspections of your home's exterior, they might make some suggestions on how you could improve the appeal of your property when the time comes to put it on the market . Rather than having a direct impact on the valuation of your house, these tips are to help you prepare your home for future viewings. Bold/poor conditions will not only wrinkle a buyer's nose, but can also impact their perception of your home's size. For example, in a [study conducted by the U.S National Library of Medicine](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21830513/), lighter ceilings and walls were found to make a room appear higher.

### Kitchens

Kitchens also play a big part in an estate agent's valuation, being estimated to [raise the value of homes by up to 6%](https://www.nationwide.co.uk/guides/news/articles/2018/01/does-a-new-kitchen-add-value-to-my-home). They will examine the size and condition of your unit, and whether the style/age of your home is consistent with the unit.

The agent might also ask which of your white goods (things like your washing machine or fridge) you plan to take with you, and which you're willing to leave behind. If you plan to leave them behind, the design and model of these will be taken into account. While their overall impact on your valuation might be small, high-value goods are likely to sway buyers, so these products will definitely have an impact on your home's final valuation.

### Bathrooms

The agent will assess your bathroom facilities, making notes of their design and general build. One of the main things they'll take note of is how many facilities you have. Not having enough bathrooms is often a leading cause for buyers losing interest in a property. In a study conducted among real estate experts by Direct Line Home Insurance, a three-bed home would ideally have an average of 1.8 bathrooms, a four-bed would have 2.6 and a five-bed property would have 3.5.

### Garden

Last but not least, the agent will inspect your outdoor area. They will take into consideration the size of your outdoor area, whether you have a garden, and its overall appeal. While your garden’s appeal is influenced by a host of factors, like whether it's a lawn or patio, agents will make particular note of its aspect. South-facing gardens are worth much more than north-facing gardens as they get more sun.  

While the design and scope of your garden definitely add value to your agent's final report, the level of maintenance it requires will also influence it too. Anything that requires too much effort from the buyer could detract from your property's desirability.

[Read more about how gardens can add value to your home here.](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/diy/does-garden-increase-property-value)

### Your valuation

Once your agent has had a good look at your home, they'll get a written valuation report together. This usually doesn't take much time and your agent will be happy to answer any additional questions you have after the valuation.

It’s recommended that you meet with more than 1 estate agent to get an accurate idea of how much your home is worth. The best practice is to have 3-4 valuations, as this range will give the best estimation of your home’s value. Not only will you be able to compare each agent’s value estimates, but you'll also be able to compare their methods. It's an opportunity to find out about their marketing ideas, their selling style, and how often they’ll be in touch with you. Your chosen estate agent will handle one of your most valuable financial assets. Taking the time to find the one best suited to you is a worthwhile investment.

If you're still in doubt about how to proceed, you can always try [our free valuation tool](https://www.getagent.co.uk/how-much-is-my-house-worth). It compiles the latest property data to provide an excellent estimation of your home's worth.

a row of houses painted in bright colours, with contrasting window shutters

how-estate-agent-values.jpg

Valuations are a huge part of the selling process, as they provide an accurate image of your property's worth. So what do estate agents take into account?

How does an estate agent value a home?

How does an estate agent value a property?

Selling your home isn't always the smoothest journey. After a few unsuccessful months and zero developments, a potential sale can begin to feel like a lifetime away. While it's normal for every road to have a couple of hitches, it's natural to wish for a smoother and more efficient method. 

While new build part exchange schemes have been around for decades, in recent years, more and more people have come to view part exchange as a more viable method of securing a buyer and selling their property. But just what is part exchange and is this service really a stress free solution?

### What is a part exchange scheme?

A part exchange home scheme is where you trade the value of your property against the value of a brand new property. This means your current home is sold and used as partial payment for a newly made home - hence the term ‘part exchange’. 

For example, a typical scheme begins with a private builder buying your current property. You then use the money from this sale towards the purchase of one of the same builder’s newly built homes. The private builder will effectively fund this transaction on the basis that they will sell your current property on and make their money back.

### How does part exchange work?

Instead of working with an estate agent, selling through a part exchange scheme relies on you dealing with a property developer or house builder to sell your home and complete the buying process. On paper, this appears to make the transaction much quicker and cheaper. 

For one, you don't have to pay estate agent fees. Secondly, the sale of your property is pretty much guaranteed if the property developer likes your existing home. Third: you’ll get a brand new property to live in at the end.

While this deal may sound pretty exciting, there are a significant number of things to consider first - including whether your home will even be eligible for part exchange.

### A closer look at part exchange

### The valuation process

Most people who’ve decided to go down the part exchange route begin by searching for new builds in their area that offer a part exchange scheme. You can do this by enquiring with local estate agents or through an on-site sales team. 

Once you’ve found a new build property you like, and can afford, you can begin discussions with the developers about your existing property. This is where things get a little more complicated.

First of all, part exchange is only available for certain kinds of properties. For example, if your current home is a flat, it may have a short leasehold that prevents it from being sold on. Or your existing property could be located in the wrong part of the country for the development company you've chosen. 

You’re unlikely to qualify for a part exchange scheme if:

* Your property has structural defects/build or repair issues

* Your home is a leasehold flat with a short lease 

* Your property’s value is below 70% of new build property

Another reason developers are selective about which property they choose is that a part exchange scheme is designed so they can make a profit. If your home can’t be renovated, or extended easily, it’s unlikely to appeal to a developer. 

### Developer valuations v.s estate agent fees

Generally a developer will ask 1 or 2 independent estate agents to complete a valuation of your current property, with instructions to calculate a selling price rather than an asking price. This is usually 80% of a true valuation. New build part exchanges aim to make substantial gain, which is why you'll *never* get the full price for your valuation.

Because you’re not getting full price for your home, you may find that the amount you save in fees is actually cancelled out by the amount you lose by accepting a lower sale price. 

This is why we *always* recommend booking independent valuations of your existing property yourself before you commit to a part exchange scheme. This will give you a sense of how much your home is actually worth, so you can make an informed decision about whether to accept the developer’s valuation. 

Estate agents will be able to give you the most accurate valuation - and [our comparison tool](https://www.getagent.co.uk/vendor) can help you find the agencies with the best track records - or you can try a [free, online valuation tool](https://www.getagent.co.uk/how-much-is-my-house-worth) to give you a less accurate, but reasonable estimate of your home’s value. 

### The offer

If the developers are happy with your existing property, they will make you an offer. 

It's important to note that, when they do make you an offer, they will not negotiate on the asking price for their new home. Unlike with an agent, where there is usually more scope to negotiate, a part exchange scheme is designed to put the developers in the best position possible.

If you choose to accept the offer, you will have to arrange a mortgage on the new build to cover the difference. The developers will also ask you to put down a deposit. This will not only reserve your new property, but show you are committed to part exchange your home.

### Ready to move into your new home?

Not quite. Once you’ve accepted the developer’s offer, it’s time to start the conveyancing process. This process involves legally transferring ownership of a property from one party to another. You'll be asked to fill out a range of forms, negotiate the final details, and you may wish to conduct additional surveys and checks - such as a snagging survey. 

[Read more about the conveyancing process here.](https://www.getagent.co.uk/guide/conveyancing)

Unfortunately, there's another thing to consider. too Your part exchange house may not actually be built yet. While developers always provide a completion date for when the home is ready, a report by the New Homes Review found that around 37% of new builds are not completed on schedule.

### Pros and cons of part exchange schemes

Now we've looked at the entire process, let's review the pros and cons:

**Pros**

* No estate agents fees

* You don’t have to do lots of viewings so you can save time and hassle

* If your home is a good fit for the developer, selling it might be quicker

* The transaction will be chain free meaning there’s less chance of it falling through

* You will own a brand new house

**Cons**

* Developers are very selective about which houses they buy

* You’re unlikely to receive more than 80% of the true value for your home

* Developers are less inclined to negotiate on asking price for new build

* New builds aren’t perfect: 42% of movers find at least 10 issues with new home

### Part exchange house or estate agent?

Clearly there's a lot to think about if you're considering a scheme like part exchange, which is why it's important to weigh up all the pros and cons first. Many people think they're saving time with a service like this, but there's actually a lot more to consider.

While initially it may be appealing to choose a 'stress free' service that implies a quick sale of your current property, the fact developers have the final say means that no sale is ever guaranteed. Independent valuations are always an excellent first step towards selling your home, no matter which service you decide to go with.

Ultimately, selling with an agent will mean you’re more likely to achieve the best price for your home. The amount of money you make through an established selling price is likely to be larger than the amount you’d ‘save’ by negating estate agent fees in a part exchange scheme. If an estate agent can sell for 20% more, they will, as it’s in their interest to boost their 1.5% take. It’s fair to say then, that the cash difference between estate agent selling price and developer sale price more than makes up their fee.

Indeed, while some may feel selling through an estate agent is slower, there are agents that can sell as fast, if not faster, than through a part exchange scheme. [See which fast-selling agents are near you, here.](https://www.getagent.co.uk/vendor) 

Two people in neutral jumpers in professional setting shake hands after agreeing part exchange deal 

part-exchange

Part exchange schemes: how they work, the pros and cons, and whether part exchanging your home is the right option for you.

Part exchange | How part exchange schemes work

A part exchange home scheme is where you trade the value of your property against the value of a brand new property. But how do part exchange schemes work, and are they the best option for you?

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