Out of the many types of financial products available in the UK, you can decide which type of mortgage best suits your situation. The lender will have a property valuation carried out before approving your mortgage application and loan amount.
What is a down valuation?
Down valuation occurs when a mortgage surveyor determines a property's worth below the offer price agreed between a buyer and seller.
This assessment can affect a mortgage lender's willingness to provide the full loan amount initially agreed upon.
A mortgage valuation below the agreed sale price can lead to complications in the property transaction process, requiring both parties to reassess the financial aspects of the deal.
How down valuation affects property sale
For homeowners and buyers, down valuations hold significant weight. They signal a discrepancy between the perceived value of a property and its mortgage valuation by a professional.
This can influence the outstanding mortgage amount, affect negotiations, and may alter the dynamics of a sale. Buyers can face higher loan to value ratios, affecting mortgage terms, while sellers may need to adjust their expectations and sale strategies.
How does a down valuation differ from market price adjustments?
A down valuation is a specific appraisal by a lender's surveyor, often resulting in a value less than the price agreed upon. This differs from general market price adjustments, which reflect broader shifts in the property market due to factors like house price trends, local area developments, and other economic indicators.
Down valuations are targeted, situational assessments, while market price adjustments are reflective of wider market movements.
Reasons behind down valuations
Insights from mortgage lenders on down valuations
Mortgage lenders sometimes value a property below its offered price. This can occur for various reasons.
Lenders have a vested interest in ensuring the loan they provide is secured against a property's realistic value. They often rely on professional valuations to determine how much a property is worth.
If a valuation comes in lower than the property prices anticipated by the buyer or seller, it reflects the lender's assessment of the market value, which might not always align with the asking price set by the estate agent.
The impact of economic indicators on property values
Property values respond to fluctuations in the economy, including rising interest rates and market volatility. Economic indicators play a significant role in these adjustments. For example, when interest rates rise, borrowing costs increase, which can reduce the number of cash buyers and affect how much a bank or building society is willing to lend.
In such climates, down valuations become more common as lenders become cautious about higher loan to value ratios.
Comparing local market evidence and its influence
Local market evidence is instrumental in mortgage valuation. Lenders examine recent sold prices of similar local properties to assess whether a home is valued appropriately.
If comparable sales indicate a lower price, a mortgage company may down value a property to reflect these figures.
Estate agents may list homes at over inflated prices, which can lead to discrepancies between the asking price and the lender's survey figures. Homeowners must understand that a valuation is not just about the price they hope to achieve but also the professional's knowledge of the local markets.
How to identify a down valuation
A down valuation signals a discrepancy between what homeowners perceive their property is worth and the amount a mortgage lender is willing to acknowledge.
Property owners can spot down valuations by comparing the surveyor's valuation against the price of the property. If the sale price is higher than the lender determines, it often leads to a down valuation.
Homeowners sell with expectations of a successful sale, yet the lender's benefit might lead to a different lender offering a more favourable assessment.
Interpreting the valuation report from estate agents
Interpreting a valuation report requires attention to detail. Estate agents and surveyors detail reasons behind a property valued lower than expected.
Interested buyer and homeowners alike must scrutinise the report to understand why their dream home may face a hefty jump in the mortgage or risk losing out to other buyers due to the down valued price.
Steps to take after a down valuation
How to respond to a mortgage down valuation
Buyers should promptly contact the estate agent to discuss the valuation shortfall. It's advisable to request a copy of the lender's valuation to understand the discrepancy.
Options for buyers
Buyers confronted with a down valuation have several choices. One can renegotiate the sale price with the seller, make up the difference in cash, or approach a different lender hoping for a higher valuation. It's important to consider the implications each option may have on one's finances.
Strategies for sellers
Sellers receiving a down valuation may need to lower their expectations regarding the full asking price. It's beneficial to engage with the estate agent to assess if the market conditions have shifted.
Alternatively, sellers might wait for a new buyer who may not face the same problem with their lender.
Consequences of a down valuation for buyers
Effect on mortgage approval and purchase price
A down valuation can mean the mortgage lender is unwilling to provide the full amount needed for the purchase, affecting the buyer's ability to secure their dream home. This often requires renegotiation of the purchase price or the terms of the mortgage offer.
Reevaluating your monthly mortgage repayments
If buyers proceed with a property that has been down valued, it may lead to higher monthly repayments or a larger deposit requirement. They should reassess their budget to determine if the financial strain is manageable.
Exploring alternatives: different lender or mortgage deal?
When faced with a down valuation, buyers might consider applying to a different lender or renegotiating the mortgage deal. However, this could involve additional valuation fees, and there is no guarantee of a different outcome.
Consequences of a down valuation for sellers
Impact on the agreed sale price and future offers
Sellers may face reduced offers when homes are valued lower than expected. This down valuation means the property is worth less than the full asking price initially agreed upon. The transaction hinges on the buyer's ability to secure financing, often leading to renegotiations or deal cancellations.
Dealing with the possibility of losing interested buyers
A down valuation can result in the loss of potential buyers. Sellers must then decide whether to lower the price to match the valuation or seek out new prospects who may meet the original price or bring a larger deposit.
Adjusting to the prevailing market conditions
Market conditions influence property values. Sellers must be flexible and responsive to these fluctuations. If multiple homes valued in the area reflect a downward trend, it may be advisable to realign expectations and pricing strategies accordingly.
How to challenge a down valuation
Seek valuation advice from independent surveyors
Challenging a down valuation begins with seeking a second opinion. Hiring independent surveyors provides a fresh perspective, contesting the mortgage lender's assessment.
Gathering comparable market evidence for negotiations
Sellers should collect evidence of similar homes valued at higher prices. This data supports negotiations with the mortgage lender or helps in attracting a new lender, possibly using the same surveyor.
When to accept and when to dispute
Deciding whether to accept a down valuation or challenge it depends on the seller's urgency to sell and market dynamics. If time permits, disputing with solid evidence is feasible. In a tight market, however, accepting the down valuation and adjusting sale strategies might be more practical.
Remortgaging landscape with down valuations
When property is down valued during a remortgage assessment, it can drastically impact the financial options available to the homeowner. A lower valuation means the property may not secure the expected loan amount, which could disrupt plans for consolidating debts, home improvements, or obtaining favourable interest rates.
This shift forces homeowners to reassess their financial strategy, seeking out alternative lenders or accepting less advantageous terms.
The lender's perspective on property worth
Lenders view a property's worth through a risk-averse lens. A down valued property suggests a potential decline in the collateral value, prompting lenders to protect their investment with higher interest rates or lower loan offers.
They assess not just the bricks and mortar but also consider the economic climate, recent sales data, and market forecasts. This conservative stance ensures they are not overexposed if the market takes a downturn.
Remortgaging strategies for down valued properties
A down valuation doesn't mean remortgaging is off the table. Homeowners can challenge the valuation with evidence such as recent, comparable sales or an independent surveyor's report.
Another strategy involves recalibrating expectations, perhaps by looking for different remortgage products better suited to the new valuation, or by adjusting the amount of cash they intend to extract from the remortgage process.
Down valuation in the context of new builds
New builds often encounter down valuing due to the premium added for newness, which doesn't always align with valuer's estimations based on comparable, existing properties.
Valuers must balance the attractiveness of a modern, untouched property against the reality of the second-hand market which often dictates a property's true worth.
must also consider the developer's incentives, such as cashback offers or paid stamp duty, which can artificially inflate purchase prices, leading to down valuations.
For buyers of new builds, a down valuation can complicate the purchase. It's important to have a clear understanding of the property's marketability without the new-build allure. Before committing, buyers should research the developer's track record and the long-term value trends of the area.
If faced with a down valuation, negotiation is key—either with the developer to reduce the price or with lenders to find acceptable remortgage terms that reflect the down valuation but still allow the purchase to proceed.