What are the five methods of valuation recognised by RICS, and when would each be applied?
What is the difference between Market Value and Market Rent?
Market Value is:
The estimated amount for which an asset should exchange on the valuation date between a willing buyer and seller in an arms length transaction after proper marketing and where both parties act knowledgably, prudently and without compulsion.
Market rent is:
The estimated amount for which a property should be let on appropriate lease terms on the valuation date, between a willing lessor and lessee, in an arms length transaction after proper marketing and where both parties act knowledgably, prudently and without compulsion.
What is the difference between Fair Value and Market Value?
Market Value is:
The estimated amount for which an asset should exchange on the valuation date between a willing buyer and seller in an arms length transaction after proper marketing and where both parties act knowledgably, prudently and without compulsion.
Fair value, defined by IFRS, reflects the price that would be receive to sell an asset or liability between market participants in an orderly transaction at the measurement date.
What is the purpose of the RICS Valuation – Global Standards (Red Book 2025)?
The Red Book sets mandatory professional standards, rules and guidance for RICS members undertaking valuations.
It ensures aligning with IVS.
Its purpose is to protect public interest, provide confidence to clients and uphold trust in the profession.
What are the main updates in the UK National Supplement (May 2024)?
Key updates to align with IVS:
- Guidance on ESG in valuations
- Clarification on assumptions/ special assumptions
- Strengthen requirements for reporting e.g emphasis on transparency in methodology, risk and uncertainty.
What are the requirements for Terms of Engagement?
What is the hierarchy of evidence for comparable analysis in valuations?
Direct comparables
General market data
(historic data, demand supply dats)
Other sources
(Transactional evidence from other real estate types/locations Other background data (interest rates, stock market movement)
What is the difference between equivalent yield, initial yield, and reversionary yield?
EY - Average weighted yield when a reversionary property is valued using an initial and reversionary yield.
IY - Simple income yield for current income and current price.
RY - Market Rent (MR) divided by current price on an investment let at a rent below the MR.
What factors can influence yield movement?
What is the role of assumptions and special assumptions in a valuation? (VPS2)
An assumption is made where it is reasonable for the valuer to accept that something is true without the need for specific investigation. E.g. assumed condition of property.
A special assumption is a supposition that is taken to be true and accepted as fact even though it is not true. E.g. planning consent/vacant possession.
Assumptions and special assumptions must be agreed in writing at commencement of the instruction.
How do you approach sustainability and ESG factors in a valuation, in line with the RICS Sustainability and ESG Guidance (2021)?
Consider sustainability factors:
- EPC
- Building fabric
- MEES
- BREEAM
In line with guidance, consider how these could impact value for example, low EPC may reduce lettability
What is valuation uncertainty, and when must it be reported under the Red Book?
Under VPS6, valuers most comment on uncertainty in report. Arises where the is less confidence in accuracy of valuation figure. e.g limited evidence or market votality.
What are key changes in the latest version of the red book?
What are the VPS (valuation performance standards) ?
VPS1 - TOE
VPS2 - Bases of value, assumptions and special assumptions
VPS3 - Valuation approach/method
VPS4 - Inspection/ Investigation / Method
VPS5 - Valuation Model
VPS6 - Valuation Reports
How did you determine the Market Rent in your high street retail valuations, and what evidence did you rely on?
Analysis recent letting evidence in the local high street retail market. Did comparable analysis based on size, location, spec, WAULT and incentives. I liaised with agents to verify headline rent and ERV’s. Allowed me to form an opinion.
In the Kingston valuation, why did you recommend a £0.50 increase in Market Rent but no yield movement?
Evidence demonstrated higher rents were being achieved, but no evidence to support tighter yields. Therefore adjusted accordingly.
In the Chessington Industrial Estate valuation, how did you model the hypothetical lease terms and test their impact on value?
When preparing the Brixton Industrial Estate valuation, how did you identify that the passing rent was reversionary?
I compared the rent levels to recent deals in the area, information i had gathered from local agents and online data sources.
In the Brentford Industrial Estate valuation, how did you model the new letting scenario compared to the lease regear scenario?
Scenario 1 - New letting
Assumptions - void period, rent free, Legal and letting fees, empty rates. New letting at ERV based on evidence.
Scenario 2 - Regear with RF.
Regear produced a more secure CV by reducing void risk and extending the WAULT.
How do you decide voids, rent-free periods, and capital expenditure in your valuations?
I base these assumptions on market evidence, discussions with local agents, cost advice from building surveyors. Ensure that the valuation reflects realistic market behaviour and risk, and i am not working outside of my competence.
How do you check and verify the tenancy schedule and data before using it in a valuation?
Cross check tenancy schedules with lease documents and other legal documents in the data room. This verifies dates, rent levels, incentives.
Confirm with client or AM when needed.
How do you deal with discrepancies in comparable evidence, for example when evidence points to different rental levels?
Use the hierarchy of evidence
Sensitivity analysis to give a range of values
How do you check your valuation models for accuracy before submission?
In the Brixton Industrial Estate case, how did you justify recommending a 25 bps yield shift to the client?
Collated evidence of other reversionary estates in proximity to the subject property. Because they were trading at sharper yields, i could justify bringing in the yield to reflect the appetite for such investments.