Shared Ownership Staircasing Valuations
If you own your home through shared ownership and want to “staircase” — buy a larger share, or buy it outright — your housing association will require an independent shared ownership valuation (RICS Red Book) to set the price of the additional equity. Gibsons Surveyors provides staircasing valuations accepted by housing associations across Essex, London and the Home Counties, prepared to the standard your lease requires. We turn most reports around in 2–3 working days.
Request a quote today or call 0203 963 3777 (London) / 01268 949 100 (Essex).
Why you need a staircasing valuation
With shared ownership you own a percentage of your home and pay rent on the rest to a housing association. Staircasing is the process of buying further shares — increasing the percentage you own, and reducing the rent — until, if you choose, you own 100%.
The cost of each additional share is based on the property’s current market value, not the price you originally paid. Your housing association will not process a staircasing transaction without an independent RICS valuation, because the figure determines exactly what you pay. Getting an accurate, compliant valuation first time avoids delays and the cost of a second inspection if the report lapses.
When a RICS staircasing valuation is required
You will need a staircasing valuation if you are:
- Buying additional shares in your shared ownership home (often a minimum of 10% at a time, though some newer leases allow smaller “1% staircasing” steps).
- Staircasing to 100% — buying the final share to own your home outright.
- Remortgaging to fund a staircasing purchase, where your lender also needs the value.
- Selling your shared ownership home, where a current valuation is required to set the price of your share.
What your housing association requires
A staircasing valuation has to meet the criteria set out in your shared ownership lease and by your housing association. We make sure every report complies, including:
- Carried out by an independent RICS Registered Valuer (MRICS or FRICS).
- Assessed as the property’s current open market value, supported by comparable evidence of similar local sales.
- Prepared so that improvements you have made yourself are disregarded where your lease requires it — so you are not paying again for your own home improvements.
- Valid for a limited period — typically three months from inspection. If your staircasing doesn’t complete in time, the valuation may need to be refreshed or the property re-inspected.
- Presented on headed paper, signed, and addressed appropriately for your housing association.
Because we know how these valuations are assessed, we get them right first time — avoiding the rejections and delays that come from a non-compliant report.
Why choose Gibsons Surveyors
We are independent and RICS-regulated, with valuations carried out by an RICS Registered Valuer (MRICS or FRICS), offices in London and Essex, and decades of combined experience across the area. We understand shared ownership leases and how housing associations assess staircasing, and we work quickly and communicate clearly throughout.
Our fees are fixed and quoted up front, with no surprises, and reflect the property and the instruction.
How it works
- Get a quote — send us your address and a few details, including the share you currently own; we confirm the fee and timescale.
- Inspection — we inspect the property and gather the comparable evidence your housing association requires.
- Report — you receive a compliant Red Book valuation, usually within 2–3 working days, ready to send to your housing association or lender.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need a RICS valuation to staircase?
Yes. Housing associations require an independent valuation by an RICS Registered Valuer to set the market value, and therefore the price of the additional share you are buying. An estate agent’s appraisal will not be accepted.
Will my home improvements increase what I have to pay?
Most shared ownership leases require the valuer to disregard improvements you have carried out yourself when valuing for staircasing — so you should not pay extra for your own work. We value on that basis where your lease requires it.
How long is a staircasing valuation valid for?
Usually three months from the date of inspection. If your purchase hasn’t completed in that time, the valuation may need to be updated or the property re-inspected — so it’s worth instructing once your finances are in place.
How much does a staircasing valuation cost?
Fixed and quoted before you commit, reflecting the property and the instruction. Contact us with your details for a precise figure.
How quickly can you turn the report around?
We aim to provide most staircasing valuation reports within 2–3 working days of the inspection.
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 staircasing valuation
Whether you are buying your next share or staircasing all the way to 100%, Gibsons Surveyors can provide the compliant RICS valuation your housing association needs across Essex and London — quickly and at a fixed fee. Request a quote today or call 0203 963 3777.