Capital Gains Tax Property Valuations
If you are selling or transferring an investment property, second home or inherited property, HMRC needs a reliable figure for what it was worth at a particular date in order to work out your Capital Gains Tax. Gibsons Surveyors provides independent capital gains tax valuations to RICS Red Book standard across Essex, London and the Home Counties — including retrospective valuations at a past date — prepared as evidence HMRC accepts.
Request a quote today or call 0203 963 3777 (London) / 01268 949 100 (Essex).
Why you need a professional CGT valuation
Capital Gains Tax is charged on the gain — broadly the difference between what a property was worth when you acquired it (the “base cost”) and what you sell or transfer it for. If you did not buy the property at arm’s length, or you need its value at a historic date, that base cost has to be established by a professional valuation rather than guessed at.
Get the figure wrong and you either overpay tax unnecessarily, or understate the gain and risk an HMRC enquiry and penalties. A retrospective valuation by an independent RICS Registered Valuer, supported by comparable evidence from the relevant date, gives HMRC confidence in your base cost and gives you a figure you can defend.
When a RICS Capital Gains Tax valuation is required
You are likely to need a CGT valuation if you are:
- Selling a property you inherited or were gifted, and need its market value at the date you acquired it.
- Disposing of a second home or buy-to-let where you need a base cost at a past date.
- Establishing a 31 March 1982 value — the date assets are generally “rebased” to for CGT.
- Transferring property between connected parties or into a company, where market value applies rather than a price actually paid.
- Reporting a UK residential property disposal to HMRC, which generally has to be done — and the tax paid — within 60 days of completion.
What HMRC requires from a CGT valuation
A valuation used to support a Capital Gains Tax calculation has to be evidenced and prepared to a recognised standard, because HMRC’s own valuers (the District Valuer) may review it. We make sure every report meets that, including:
- Prepared by an independent RICS Registered Valuer (MRICS, FRICS or AssocRICS).
- Assessed as the open market value at the relevant date — the date of acquisition, gift, transfer, or 31 March 1982 as the case requires.
- Supported by comparable evidence from around that date, so the base cost can be defended if HMRC queries it.
- Presented on headed paper, signed, and ready to send to your accountant, tax adviser or HMRC.
Retrospective valuations — establishing what a property was worth years ago — are a specialist exercise. We research the market as it stood at the relevant date rather than working back from today’s values.
Why choose Gibsons Surveyors
We are independent and RICS-regulated, with valuations carried out by an RICS Registered Valuer (MRICS, FRICS or AssocRICS), offices in London and Essex, and decades of combined experience across the area. We work regularly with accountants and tax advisers, and we are happy to liaise with yours directly so the report dovetails with your CGT return.
Our fees are fixed and quoted up front, with no surprises, and reflect the property and the complexity of the valuation.
How it works
- Get a quote — send us the property address, the relevant valuation date and a few details; we confirm the fee and timescale.
- Inspection or research — we inspect the property where possible and research comparable evidence from the relevant date.
- Report — you receive a Red Book valuation at the required date ready for your accountant or HMRC.
Frequently asked questions
What date does my property need to be valued at for CGT?
It depends on your situation — usually the date you acquired the property (by purchase, gift or inheritance), or 31 March 1982 for assets held since before then. Tell us the circumstances and we’ll confirm the correct date.
Can you value a property as it was years ago?
Yes. Retrospective valuations are a routine part of CGT work. We research the market and comparable sales as they stood at the relevant date, rather than simply discounting today’s value.
Will HMRC accept your valuation?
Our reports are prepared to RICS Red Book standards by a Registered Valuer and supported by comparable evidence from the relevant date — exactly what HMRC and the District Valuer look for. We are also happy to support the figure if HMRC raises questions.
How much does a CGT valuation cost?
Fixed and quoted before you commit, reflecting the property and the complexity of the valuation. Contact us with the details for a precise figure.
How quickly can you turn the report around?
Timescales depend on the property and the valuation date, as retrospective valuations need historic research — we confirm a realistic turnaround when we quote. Bear in mind UK residential disposals generally have to be reported and the tax paid within 60 days of completion, so it pays to instruct early.
Do you cover my area?
We cover Essex, London and the Home Counties from our London and Essex offices. If you’re unsure, just ask.
Get your Capital Gains Tax valuation
Whether you are selling an investment property, settling an inherited home or working with your accountant on a CGT return, Gibsons Surveyors can provide the evidenced RICS valuation you need across Essex and London — quickly and at a fixed fee. Request a quote today or call 0203 963 3777.