About Mortgage Valuations – What Buyers Need to Know If you're buying a property with a mortgage, your lender will usually require a mortgage valuation—and may charge you for it. This is a basic assessment carried out on behalf of the lender to confirm that the property is worth the amount they intend to lend. However, it's important to understand that a mortgage valuation is not a survey. It won’t highlight potential defects or give you any insight into the condition of the property. The Council of Mortgage Lenders strongly recommends that buyers commission their own independent survey to make an informed and confident purchase decision. There are currently four main types of property surveys, which are outlined in the section below to help you choose the right one for your needs. Understanding Mortgage Valuations If you're taking out a mortgage, your lender will typically require a mortgage valuation. This is a basic assessment to confirm the property's value for loan purposes—but it's important to understand this does not evaluate the property's condition. The Council of Mortgage Lenders recommends that all buyers obtain their own private survey to get a full picture of the property's state. We offer a range of surveys to suit different property types and buyer needs.