Matrimonial Valuation | Divorce Property Valuation | RICS


What is a Matrimonial Valuation?


Matrimonial valuations are critical during divorce proceedings, providing a fair and impartial assessment of property assets to be divided among parties. These valuations are a requirement and a strategic tool to ensure equitable distribution.

A matrimonial valuation conducted by a RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) accredited Chartered Surveyor delivers an accurate market valuation of the property in question, ensuring that both parties understand the property value clearly. It's a critical stage in divorce proceedings, where the relevance of shared assets often causes disputes and thus, a matrimonial valuation can help ensure a fair process.

The valuation report produced by the surveyor is a comprehensive document that details the value of the marital home and any other property assets owned jointly or individually. This report must comply with the RICS Red Book standards, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and reliability as it may be scrutinised in court proceedings or by solicitors from both parties.

The valuer must act as an impartial expert witness for the valuation to be recognized in the legal process. This neutrality is crucial for the valuation service to be accepted by the courts and used effectively during negotiations.

Registered valuers are often appointed to represent both parties in divorce cases to provide an objective market value, which forms the basis for financial settlements. Their expertise and commitment to RICS 'red book' standards make them invaluable, mainly when property assets comprise a large part of the marital assets undergoing review.

Regarding your property, a divorce settlement briefly details:

  • The home’s market value
  • Locality
  • Accommodation type
  • Constructions
  • Regarding your residential or commercial property, a divorce settlement briefly outlines:

Depending on the assets you jointly own, you may also require valuations from other professionals. For example, you might need an antique valuer to estimate a painting’s value, especially if it’s likely to increase.

Matrimonial Valuation | Divorce | INSTANT Quote | RICS | London, Harding Chartered Surveyors

Matrimonial RICS Valuation Quote


Matrimonial Valuation | Divorce | INSTANT Quote | RICS | London, Harding Chartered Surveyors

Benefits of a Matrimonial House Valuation Report


By obtaining a matrimonial property valuation, you can:

  • Fair Assessment: It provides an impartial and accurate market valuation of the marital home, ensuring fairness for both parties involved in the divorce proceedings.
  • Compliance with Standards: The report adheres to the 'Red Book' RICS professional standards, guaranteeing that the valuation is recognized and upheld in legal contexts.
  • Aids in Settlement: The report's objective valuation can simplify negotiations and assist in reaching a fair settlement, potentially reducing conflict and the time spent in dispute.
  • Establishes a Baseline: It sets a clear baseline for the property's value at the valuation date, which is crucial for any financial division.
  • Expertise: The valuation is conducted by a RICS chartered surveyor, ensuring expert evaluation based on extensive knowledge and experience in the field.
  • Legal Framework: It supports the legal framework of the civil procedure rules, providing a solid foundation for legal decisions regarding property division.
  • Transparency: Offers transparency for both parties and can be used to assist both solicitors and clients in understanding the true value of property assets.
  • Court Proceedings: If divorce proceedings escalate to court, the report can serve as a vital piece of evidence presented by an expert witness.
  • Versatility: It can be used to decide how to distribute not just the house but also any other real estate assets owned jointly or individually.
  • Expediency: By providing a clear valuation, the report can help expedite the overall divorce process, allowing both parties to move forward more quickly.
  • Future Planning: Helps in future financial planning by giving an accurate property value, which can be critical for mortgages or selling decisions post-divorce.
  • Prevents Under or Overestimation: Avoids the risk of either party overestimating or underestimating their assets, which can occur with informal appraisals or estate agent valuations.

Are Matrimonial Valuations for London Properties a worthwhile investment?


RICS Divorce Valuations are indispensable in ensuring a fair settlement during divorce proceedings. These 'red book' valuations, adhering to the RICS professional standards, are designed to provide a market valuation that reflects the true value of the property at the valuation date. The purpose of this valuation for matrimonial purposes is to assist solicitors and clients in determining the fair distribution of joint property assets.

The process, governed by the civil procedure rules (CPR), demands high accuracy and impartiality from RICS Chartered Surveyors. They are often appointed by both parties involved in the divorce, or sometimes act on behalf of one, to value property—ranging from residential property to shared property interests—and to decide how these assets are divided. Unlike estate agents, qualified Chartered Surveyors provide valuations that are used explicitly to decide how to distribute help for as little dispute as possible.

How our Chartered Surveyors can help with Divorce Property Valuations


Divorces are rarely straightforward, but they can become drawn-out, costly and heated when neither party can agree on distributing their jointly owned assets. If you can’t decide what to do with your home or who deserves what, you’ll need a matrimonial valuation – otherwise known as a divorce settlement valuation – from an independent RICS registered valuer.

At Harding Chartered Surveyors, our team of impartial and compassionate valuers can survey your property accurately at a time that suits you. In the process, we’ll produce a robust report for your legal advisors and the judge, allowing you to reach an amicable agreement during court proceedings. Call us today to discuss matrimonial valuations with a valuer directly.

The compassionate and qualified RICS registered valuers at Harding Chartered Surveyors are here to assist you during such a challenging period. If you want to learn more about matrimonial valuations in London, contact us on 020 3598 6730 to speak with a valuer directly. Whether acting jointly or appointed by one of the parties, our valuers can work for one or both parties in the divorce to provide you with an accurate, impartial matrimonial valuation. This ensures that assets are divided between the parties involved fairly and equitably. Contact us to harness the benefits of professional matrimonial valuation service from qualified Chartered Surveyors who specialise in RICS 'red book' valuations for a fair and just resolution.