What Buyers Should Know About Help to Buy Scheme Surveys

Introduction: Why Help to Buy Valuations Are Essential

The UK’s Help to Buy scheme has supported thousands of people in buying their first home. But when it comes time to repay the government equity loan, staircase, remortgage, or sell the property, homeowners must obtain a RICS Help to Buy valuation survey.

This independent valuation determines how much is owed back to the scheme administrator and ensures the transaction is handled fairly. Without it, sales and repayments can stall – and homeowners may risk overpaying.

At Ravi Seth, our RICS-accredited surveyors provide professional, impartial valuations tailored to Help to Buy requirements, giving homeowners and investors confidence in every transaction.

What Is a Help to Buy Valuation Survey?

A Help to Buy valuation is an independent report carried out by a RICS chartered surveyor. It provides a fair and accurate current market value of your home.

This figure is then used by Homes England (or your local scheme administrator) to calculate how much you must repay on your equity loan. Estate agent appraisals or online estimates are not accepted – only RICS valuations meet the scheme’s requirements.

When Do You Need a Help to Buy Valuation?

You’ll need a survey when:

• Repaying your equity loan in full (e.g. at the end of your mortgage term)

• Staircasing – paying off part of the loan to reduce government share

• Selling the property – to calculate the share owed back to the scheme

• Remortgaging – when switching to a new lender, who will require a RICS valuation

How Does the Process Work?

1. Instruct a RICS surveyor – choose an accredited professional like Ravi Seth.

2. Property inspection – we assess the condition, size, location, and features.

3. Market comparison – we use recent sales of similar properties to calculate fair value.

4. Written report – you receive a formal valuation, typically valid for 3 months.

5. Submit to Help to Buy administrator – used to determine repayment amount.

If your sale or repayment doesn’t complete within 3 months, you may need an updated report.

Why Accuracy Matters

Let’s say you bought a property for £200,000 using a 20% Help to Buy loan (£40,000).

• If the property is now worth £250,000, the government’s 20% share is £50,000.

• A RICS valuation ensures this figure is accurate and evidence-based.

Without a proper survey, you could:❌ Repay more than you should❌ Face disputes with scheme administrators❌ See your transaction delayed

Case Example: Avoiding Overpayment

One of our clients was remortgaging and needed to repay part of their Help to Buy loan. An estate agent had informally valued the home at £230,000. Our RICS valuation, based on market evidence, came in at £220,000, saving the homeowner £2,000 in repayment.

Why Choose Ravi Seth?

• RICS-accredited surveyors

• Quick turnaround times

• Reports tailored to Help to Buy scheme requirements

• Clear, professional documentation accepted by administrators

Conclusion: Protect Your Finances with the Right Valuation

A Help to Buy valuation isn’t just a formality, it’s a safeguard against overpayment and disputes. With professional support from Ravi Seth, you’ll have a clear, compliant, and fair valuation every time.

Need a Help to Buy survey? Contact Ravi Seth today for an accredited RICS valuation that protects your investment.