RICS Red Book Valuations in Southampton & The Solent

Regulated by RICS
Report Type: Probate / Inheritance Tax

Probate, CGT and divorce valuations in Southampton and the Solent

We provide RICS Red Book valuations across Southampton and the eastern Solent shore for probate and Inheritance Tax, Capital Gains Tax and matrimonial purposes.

What every valuation includes

  • A formal RICS Red Book report by a Registered Valuer, accepted by HMRC and the courts
  • A physical inspection, with drone footage of roofs and boundaries where permitted
  • A boundary and title check against Land Registry plans and aerial mapping
  • A planning audit for hope value or potential blight
  • A fixed fee, agreed before we start

See the full details of what's included

Valuing property in Southampton: what we look out for

Southampton's market ranges from large family houses in Bassett and Highfield to student lets near the university and modern flats in Ocean Village and the city centre. Article 4 Directions control new HMOs across much of the city, so the lawful use of a rented house can significantly affect its value. This is a common issue in Capital Gains Tax valuations.

For flats, we look closely at lease terms, service charges and any building safety or cladding issues, as these can affect both value and mortgageability. On the waterside, flood risk and the Solent's nitrate rules, which require new housing to be nitrate neutral, can both affect development value.

Areas we cover

Bassett, Highfield, Portswood, Shirley and Upper Shirley, Ocean Village and the city centre, Bitterne, Woolston, Sholing, Netley Abbey, West End and Hedge End.

Why Fallows

We're a specialist, independent valuation practice, with no estate agency or lettings side. We produce evidence-based reports that solicitors and accountants can rely on, at a fixed fee.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be present for the inspection?

It isn't strictly necessary for you to be there, provided we have access to the property (via a keyholder or agent). However, you are welcome to attend if you wish to point out specific features or historical issues that might affect the value, such as structural repairs or boundary changes.

What is an RICS 'Red Book' Valuation?

An RICS Red Book valuation is the "gold standard" of property reporting. Unlike a basic estate agent's market appraisal, a Red Book report is a formal legal document that must follow strict professional standards set by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. It is the only type of valuation accepted by HMRC, the Family Courts, and Solicitors for official purposes.

Is this different from an estate agent’s appraisal?

Yes. An estate agent’s appraisal is typically a marketing tool used to suggest a listing price and is not legally binding or HMRC compliant. As Independent Chartered Surveyors, Fallows provides an unbiased, evidence-based valuation. Because we do not sell property, our reports are free from the conflicts of interest often found with estate agents

How long is a valuation report valid for?

For most purposes, including Probate and Capital Gains Tax, a valuation report is considered a snapshot of the value on a specific date (the "valuation date"). While the report itself doesn't "expire," HMRC typically expects a report to be less than 6 months old if it is being used for a current application, unless it is a Retrospective Valuation for a past date

What is a "Retrospective Valuation"?

A retrospective valuation (or "backdated" valuation) determines the value of a property at a specific point in the past. This is frequently required for Capital Gains Tax (often back to March 1982) or for Probate, where the valuation must reflect the market on the date of the property owner's passing. We use archived market data and local records to provide a robust, defensible figure for these dates.

Can Fallows act as a Single Joint Expert in a divorce?

Yes. Fallows regularly acts as a Single Joint Expert (SJE) in matrimonial proceedings. In this role, we are instructed by the solicitors of both parties to provide one impartial report for the court. This helps streamline the legal process and provides a clear, objective starting point for financial settlements.

View your ownership boundaries

Use the Fallows Smart Map to view your land registry ownership boundaries (it's free).

Fallows Smart Map

Fallows in Southampton

Serving Southampton, Eastleigh

We undertake site visits throughout Southampton