VALUATIONS UK LTD

TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. Definitions and Status

1.1.1. "Valuations UK Ltd", "we", "us" or "our" means Valuations UK Ltd, company registration number 03937626, whose registered office is stated in the source document as 14 Lauriston Park, The Park, Cheltenham, GL50 2QL, and whose trading address is Suite 220, Eagle Tower, Montpellier Drive, Cheltenham, GL50 1TA.

1.1.2. "You" or "Client" means the user, viewer, instructing client or other person/entity receiving services from us, as applicable.

1.1.3. "Surveyor" means the surveyor or specialist appointed to carry out an inspection, valuation or report.

1.1.4. "Report" means any valuation, survey, inspection, appraisal or other report supplied under an instruction.

1.1.5. These Terms apply together with any specific terms, instruction, agreed fee, report format or written variation applicable to the relevant service. Where the source document states that specific terms prevail over general terms, the specific terms shall prevail.

2. Website Terms

2.1.1. Website content is provided for general information and may be changed without notice.

2.1.2. No warranty or guarantee is given as to the accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness or suitability of website information to a particular purpose, and the source document excludes liability for inaccuracies or errors to the fullest extent permitted by law.

2.1.3. Use of website information or materials is at the user's own risk, and the user is responsible for determining whether products, services or information meet their requirements.

2.1.4. Website design, layout, appearance, graphics and other material are owned or licensed by Valuations UK Ltd. Reproduction is prohibited except as permitted by the applicable copyright notice.

2.1.5. Third-party trademarks reproduced on the website are acknowledged.

2.1.6. Unauthorised use may give rise to a claim for damages and/or constitute a criminal offence.

2.1.7. Links to third-party websites are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement. Valuations UK Ltd accepts no responsibility for third-party content.

2.1.8. No link to the website or its documents may be created without prior written consent.

2.1.9. Website use and disputes arising from website use are subject to the laws of England and Wales.

3. Instructions and Appointment of Surveyors

3.1.1. On receipt of a full and clear instruction, including the property address and access details, and acceptance of the applicable terms, Valuations UK Ltd may instruct a local surveyor or specialist for properties in mainland Britain and the Isle of Wight.

3.1.2. Where an instruction is received before 5.00pm, the source states that confirmation of the instruction and the appointed surveyor/specialist's details will normally be provided the same day.

3.1.3. The appointment is based on the information supplied with the instruction. Incorrect or incomplete information may cause delay, and the surveyor is not responsible for delays caused by incorrect information supplied at instruction.

3.1.4. The surveyor will, where possible, seek to arrange an appointment within 2 working days of instruction; elsewhere the source refers to completion within two working days. Any delay should be notified and explained.

3.1.5. Surveyors must confirm the appointment date and time online before undertaking the work.

3.1.6. Automated reminder emails may be sent after an instruction is logged and after an inspection until the appointment/report is completed. The source states that these reminders operate during specified weekday hours and cannot be switched off.

4. Reports, Standards and Responsibility

4.1.1. Reports must be completed in the agreed format and, where applicable, in accordance with current RICS Red Book standards and relevant RICS guidance.

4.1.2. The appointed Surveyor/Specialist is responsible for the inspection, valuation and contents of the report they prepare.

4.1.3. Valuations UK Ltd does not accept responsibility for the professional work, competence, errors, omissions or contents of a report prepared by an appointed Surveyor/Specialist, subject to any liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.

4.1.4. Electronic signatures may be used. The source states that the named surveyor remains responsible for the report even where login credentials have been improperly shared.

4.1.5. Reports will normally be delivered digitally. The source states a target of 48 hours after inspection for digital delivery, subject to the applicable service and circumstances.

4.1.6. Where an inspection or report cannot be completed in accordance with the agreed scope, the limitation should be stated in the report.

4.1.7. Where information supplied by a client, vendor or other party is relied upon, that reliance should be identified in the report.

5. Surveyor and Specialist Requirements

5.1.1. Professional Responsibility and Qualifications

A Surveyor accepting an instruction accepts responsibility for carrying out the inspection and preparing the report in accordance with the applicable terms and requirements of the instruction. Surveyors must be appropriately qualified and, where required for the relevant service, maintain current RICS membership or other applicable professional accreditation.

5.1.2. Professional Indemnity Insurance

All appointed Surveyors must maintain professional indemnity insurance of not less than £500,000 throughout the period during which they undertake work through or in connection with Valuations UK Ltd. Surveyors must provide evidence of current and valid insurance upon request and must promptly notify Valuations UK Ltd of any material change to, cancellation, expiry or claim affecting their insurance.

5.1.3. The £500,000 minimum requirement supersedes any conflicting or alternative insurance requirement contained in previous versions of these Terms & Conditions, unless a higher level of cover is specifically required by the Surveyor’s professional or regulatory obligations.

5.1.4. Professional Information

Surveyors must ensure that their RICS membership number, Homebuyer Licence information (where applicable), insurance details, expiry dates and other relevant professional information held on the website are accurate and kept up to date. Updated professional indemnity insurance documentation must be provided when requested and upon renewal.

5.1.5. Accuracy and Fraudulent Information

Surveyors are responsible for the accuracy and completeness of all information they provide to Valuations UK Ltd or display on the website, including information relating to their qualifications, professional membership, insurance and experience. Valuations UK Ltd accepts no responsibility for false, inaccurate, misleading or fraudulent information supplied by a Surveyor.

5.1.6. The submission or provision of fraudulent or misleading insurance, qualification or professional membership information may result in suspension or removal of the Surveyor from the platform and, where appropriate, notification to RICS or another relevant professional or regulatory body.

5.1.7. Claims

Surveyors must promptly notify Valuations UK Ltd of any claim made against them in excess of £500.

5.1.8. Invoicing

Invoices must be submitted in the manner and within the timeframe required by Valuations UK Ltd. An invoice may not be amended more than 30 days after its receipt by Valuations UK Ltd.

6. Subcontractors

6.1.1. Valuations UK Ltd will not make payment in respect of a claim against a Surveyor arising from a subcontractor unless the Surveyor has a written contract with that subcontractor which:

• is governed by the laws of a legal system in the United Kingdom;
• provides for disputes to be referred to a court or arbitration panel in the United Kingdom;
• requires the subcontractor to indemnify the Surveyor against liability arising from breach of duty of care, intellectual property infringement, libel/slander/defamation, breach of confidentiality or breach of contract caused or contributed to by the subcontractor; and
• requires the subcontractor to maintain professional indemnity insurance at least equivalent to the Surveyor's required level.

7. Confidentiality and Disclosure

7.1.1. Surveyors must not disclose findings or valuation figures to occupiers or other parties except Valuations UK Ltd without prior consent.

7.1.2. Reports are confidential and intended solely for the named Client and, where applicable, the Client's professional advisers.

7.1.3. No responsibility is accepted to third parties who rely on a report unless such reliance has been expressly agreed in writing.

7.1.4. Reports must not be reproduced or disclosed, in whole or part, without the required written consent, subject to any disclosure rights that cannot lawfully be excluded.

7.1.5. The Client may rely on the Surveyor's advice and Report only for the purpose stated in the particulars or communicated in writing before the fee was agreed, unless the Surveyor gives written consent for another purpose.

8. General Inspection Limitations

8.1.1. Unless the specific service states otherwise, inspections are visual and limited to areas that are visible, readily accessible and capable of inspection without unreasonable risk of damage or injury.

• Furniture, heavy furnishings, floor coverings and fittings will not normally be moved.
• Covered, hidden, unexposed or inaccessible areas will not be inspected.
• Fixed floorboards, fixed covers and housings will not be removed without appropriate permission.
• External areas may be inspected from ground level, adjoining public areas or with suitable equipment where safe and practicable.
• Specialist leisure facilities, including swimming pools and tennis courts, are generally outside scope unless specifically agreed.
• Services are generally inspected visually but are not tested for performance, safety, regulatory compliance or internal condition unless specifically agreed.
• No structural calculations or disruptive investigations are included unless expressly agreed.

8.1.2. The following minimum inspection requirements apply to surveys undertaken through Valuations UK Ltd, subject always to safe and reasonable access:

• Roof voids: where a roof void is present and safe and reasonably accessible, it must be inspected as part of the survey.
• Drain covers: where relevant and where the cover is safely and reasonably accessible, drain covers must be lifted for Level 2 and Level 3 surveys. No drain cover will be lifted where doing so would create an unreasonable risk of injury or damage. Drains are not generally tested.
• Damp-meter use: an appropriate damp meter must be used as part of all applicable property surveys, where its use is reasonably practicable and appropriate to the construction and circumstances of the property.

8.1.3. Areas that cannot safely or reasonably be inspected must be identified in the Report, together with any resulting limitation on the Surveyor's opinion.

8.1.4. These requirements do not authorise the Surveyor to undertake destructive or invasive investigations unless expressly agreed in writing.

8.1.5. Where an area cannot be inspected, the limitation should be recorded and further investigation may be recommended.

9. Services, Environmental Matters and Legal Enquiries

9.1.1. Clients are strongly advised to obtain specialist reports for services where appropriate before making a binding commitment.

9.1.2. The Surveyor does not normally verify planning permissions, Building Regulations approvals, statutory consents, Local Search matters, lease terms, boundaries, rights of way, contamination or other legal matters.

9.1.3. Legal advisers should make the relevant enquiries and verify consents, title, boundaries, lease obligations, shared liabilities and statutory matters.

9.1.4. Contamination and harmful substances are generally outside the Surveyor's scope and should be investigated by appropriate specialists.

9.1.5. Where visible, the Surveyor may note matters such as asbestos, lead water pipes, radon risk, overhead power lines or transformer stations, but does not assess all possible health effects or hidden infrastructure.

9.1.6. Obvious health and safety hazards may be reported where apparent during the inspection.

10. Valuation Assumptions

10.1.1. Unless the agreed service or report states otherwise, the valuation may be based on the following assumptions drawn from the source document:

• vacant possession is available;
• required statutory consents for construction and alteration have been obtained;
• there are no onerous liabilities, encumbrances or relevant statutory notices;
• no deleterious materials have been used and the substrata is free from contamination or defect;
• mains services are appropriately connected/adopted and not subject to irregular conditions;
• uninspected parts do not contain defects likely to materially affect value;
• new properties have a satisfactory NHBC or equivalent guarantee where applicable;
• leasehold arrangements and communal repair/maintenance liabilities will be verified by solicitors; and
• development value is excluded unless expressly included.

10.1.2. The definition of Market Value is to follow the applicable RICS Red Book definition in force for the relevant valuation.

11. Homebuyer Survey & Valuation

11.1.1. The Homebuyer Service comprises an inspection, a concise report and a valuation, unless additional services are agreed in writing.

11.1.2. The Surveyor must be a competent Chartered Surveyor able to survey, value and report on the property.

11.1.3. The Client should provide the agreed purchase price and identify particular concerns before inspection.

11.1.4. The Client must pay the agreed fee and other agreed charges.

11.1.5. The Client may cancel before the day of inspection. If the Surveyor cancels after attending because the property requires specialist knowledge or a Building Survey is more appropriate, the reason will be explained and monies paid will be refunded except for reasonably incurred expenses.

11.1.6. The Homebuyer inspection is a general surface examination of accessible and visible areas. Furniture and contents are not moved and areas are not opened up.

11.1.7. The report focuses on urgent or significant matters likely to affect value, negotiations, safety or decisions before exchange of contracts. Minor matters may not be reported.

11.1.8. The report may address urgent repairs, significant further investigations, significant repairs/renewals, other significant considerations and legal matters requiring solicitor enquiries.

11.1.9. The valuation section includes the Surveyor's opinion of Open Market Value and, where included Reinstatement Cost.

11.1.10. The source document states that the Homebuyer service is generally suited to properties under 100 years old that have not been extensively altered; properties outside that description should generally be considered for a Building Survey. This is guidance rather than a substitute for the Client's own professional advice.

12. Building Survey

12.1.1. A Building Survey provides a more detailed opinion on the visible condition and state of repair of the property and is generally suitable for older, larger, altered or extended properties.

12.1.2. The Surveyor will inspect as much accessible surface area as practicable, subject to safety and access.

12.1.3. Accessible sample loose floorboards and trap doors may be lifted where appropriate; fixed floorboards and securely fixed covers will not be removed without permission.

12.1.4. Roof spaces may be inspected where safe and reasonable access exists, generally using a ladder up to approximately 3 metres/10 feet.

12.1.5. Grounds, boundaries and permanent outbuildings are within scope, but specialist leisure facilities are not normally inspected.

12.1.6. Services are visually inspected where accessible; no testing is included unless agreed.

12.1.7. For flats and maisonettes, the inspection generally covers the subject property, relevant common parts and the relevant building/block, not other flats.

12.1.8. The report may cover site/location, design, structural framework, fabric, services, grounds, boundaries, environmental matters and recommendations for further investigation.

12.1.9. Unless agreed otherwise, value and reinstatement-cost advice are not automatically included in a Building Survey; these can be added as agreed services.

12.1.10. The report is confidential to the Client and professional advisers and is not for third-party reliance without written consent.

13. Standard Valuation / Mortgage-Style Inspection

13.1.1. The source describes a shorter valuation service intended to identify obvious serious defects, hazards and matters likely to affect value. It is not equivalent to a Homebuyer inspection or Building Survey.

13.1.2. The inspection is visual and limited to readily accessible areas. Furniture and floor coverings are not moved; roof voids, inspection hatches and drainage may be excluded according to the specific instruction.

13.1.3. Services are not tested. Boundaries are viewed but not legally confirmed.

13.1.4. If hidden defects are suspected, further investigation may be recommended and the valuation may be reserved or amended where appropriate.

13.1.5. The report should state limitations and reliance on information supplied by others.

14. External / Drive-By Valuations

14.1.1. No access is gained to the property or grounds.

14.1.2. The property is viewed from a suitable nearby public position or vehicle. If the property cannot reasonably be seen from the road, the service may not be suitable, although a visit may still be chargeable.

14.1.3. Information may be based on assumptions, experience, local knowledge, available comparable evidence and what is visible from the road.

14.1.4. The interior layout and condition are assumed satisfactory unless information indicates otherwise.

14.1.5. The report is indicative only and should not be used as the sole basis for legal, purchase or other binding decisions.

14.1.6. The valuation may be revised if additional information becomes available or a more detailed inspection is undertaken.

15. Part Exchange / Market Value Reports

15.1.1. Part Exchange/Market Value reports are prepared in the agreed format and, where applicable, to RICS Red Book standards.

15.1.2. The source generally targets properties under ten years old for Part Exchange reports, although the instruction may require the service for other properties.

15.1.3. At least one front elevation photograph and photographs of obvious defects, relevant internal fixtures and any road-scene factor affecting saleability should be included where applicable.

15.1.4. Three sold comparable properties should be included where reasonably possible.

15.1.5. Additional photographs or full internal photographs may be required by the instruction.

16. Report Content and Matters to Consider

16.1.1. Depending on the instruction and service, the Surveyor may be required to comment on significant matters including:

• subsidence or signs of movement
• damp, timber treatment and damp-proofing evidence
• overhead pylons and cables where visible and relevant to saleability
• electrical installation observations and whether further testing is advisable
• internal and external decoration
• wall-tie corrosion risk where relevant
• rights of way and wayleaves where apparent
• maintenance requirements and broad repair-cost guidance
• significant trees close to the property
• lease term and ground rent where relevant
• saleability and local market considerations
• market value and relevant comparable properties

16.1.2. Repair-cost figures are broad guidelines only. Clients should obtain contractor quotations before entering into a legal commitment. Opinions on saleability, attractiveness and marketing periods are professional opinions based on the Surveyor's knowledge at the time and are not guarantees.

17. Recommended Specialist Reports

17.1.1. Where the Surveyor recommends additional investigations or specialist reports, the Client should obtain them before making a binding commitment where appropriate.

17.1.2. The Surveyor may review relevant specialist reports and, where appropriate, revise or update the report or valuation based on the findings.

17.1.3. Comparable evidence supplied by a Client may be considered, but the Surveyor is not required to agree with the Client's assessment.

18. Cancellation, Unsuitability and Reassessment

18.1.1. Valuations UK Ltd or the Surveyor may decline to proceed where the property, construction type, intended report format or specialist requirements are outside the Surveyor's competence or the agreed service.

18.1.2. If the property is unsuitable for the agreed report format, a different service may be recommended.

18.1.3. The source permits valuation figures to be amended where additional relevant information or a more detailed inspection becomes available.

18.1.4. Where an updated figure is requested for a report less than six months old, the source states that an update may be requested from the Surveyor without charge, subject to the applicable instruction.

19. Fees and Site Charges

19.1.1. Client fees and additional charges are as agreed in writing and, where applicable, subject to VAT at the prevailing rate.

19.1.2. The source states that surveyors using the site may be charged for instructions, report uploads, electronic signatures, storage and online RICS Homebuyer reports. The stated charges include £2 plus VAT per standard-paragraph report for certain instructions, £2 plus VAT for surveyors' own work/site use, £5 plus VAT for use of the online RICS Homebuyer Report, plus £2 plus VAT for online standard paragraphs.

19.1.3. Any applicable fee scale should be confirmed in the relevant instruction or current pricing schedule.

20. Property Sales and Estate Agent Instructions

20.1.1. Where instructed to sell a property, Valuations UK Ltd will seek to ensure a current Market Value report is available and may arrange one where necessary.

20.1.2. An Estate Agent may be asked to provide a Market Appraisal before full instruction.

20.1.3. An EPC will be requested where available or arranged where necessary, with the cost passed on as applicable.

20.1.4. The appointed Estate Agent may be required to market the property at current market value, display it prominently, accompany viewings, provide feedback, advertise on its website and major property portals, prepare quality particulars with photographs and a floor plan, and erect a For Sale board within five working days.

20.1.5. Prospective purchasers should be appropriately qualified and provide relevant information about their position and finances.

20.1.6. Where a property is vacant, additional security and maintenance measures may be arranged, including securing windows/locks, dealing with post, checking the property periodically, arranging cleaning/clearance, draining water or disconnecting gas where appropriate, and maintaining records of visits.

20.1.7. Offers will be notified to the Client and Valuations UK Ltd will liaise between the relevant solicitors and estate agents through to completion.

20.1.8. The source states that Valuations UK Ltd's invoice may be passed to the solicitor for payment on completion and may include the Estate Agent's fee where applicable.

21. Tenanted Properties

21.1.1. For tenanted properties, Valuations UK Ltd may request EPC, gas and electrical reports and arrange recurring compliance reports where agreed.

21.1.2. Property management services are subject to separate negotiation and individual pricing.

22. General Client and Surveyor Duties

22.1.1. Clients must provide accurate property, access and instruction information.

22.1.2. Surveyors must promptly notify Valuations UK Ltd of access difficulties or delays.

22.1.3. Surveyors must comply with the agreed report format, applicable RICS standards and the instruction.

22.1.4. Surveyors must not accept work they are not suitably qualified, insured or competent to undertake.

22.1.5. Clients should obtain legal, structural, environmental, service and specialist advice where the report recommends it or where matters fall outside the report scope.

22.1.6. Reports should clearly identify material limitations, assumptions and areas not inspected.

23. Complaints and Dispute Resolution

23.1.1. Complaints concerning a Surveyor's service should be dealt with under the applicable formal complaints-handling procedure. The source states that a copy of the Surveyor's complaints procedure is available on request and that use of the procedure does not affect the Client's legal rights.

23.1.2. Any dispute relating to website use is governed by the laws of England and Wales, as stated in the source document. Service-specific dispute provisions should be confirmed in the relevant appointment terms.

24. Third-Party Rights

24.1.1. The Building Survey terms state that, unless expressly provided otherwise, no term of the agreement between Surveyor and Client is enforceable under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 by anyone other than the Surveyor or Client.

25. Client-Induced Damage During Investigations

25.1.1. Where the Client instructs the Surveyor to carry out investigations that may cause damage, on the basis that the Client has obtained the owner's consent, the source states that the Client indemnifies the Surveyor against resulting loss or cost.

26. Electronic Records and Invoicing

26.1.1. Reports may be electronically signed and delivered digitally. Surveyors do not generally need to send paper reports by post, but must submit original invoices in the manner required by Valuations UK Ltd.

27. Order of Precedence

27.1.1. Where a specific instruction, agreed variation or service-specific term conflicts with a general term, the specific term should prevail where the source expressly provides for this.

27.1.2. The source contains overlapping and inconsistent insurance, inspection, turnaround and report-scope requirements. These should be confirmed in a single final policy before the consolidated version is adopted as a binding contract.

28. Professional Conduct and Confidentiality

28.1.1. Surveyors must not disclose valuation figures or findings to the occupier or other third parties without prior consent, except where disclosure is required by law or the applicable instruction.

28.1.2. Reports are confidential and intended for the Client and authorised professional advisers. No responsibility is accepted to third parties unless expressly agreed or required by law.

29. Data Protection and Privacy

29.1.1. Valuations UK processes personal information in accordance with applicable UK data protection legislation, including the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.

29.1.2. Information may include names, property addresses, contact details and information needed for access, inspections, invoicing and reporting. It may be used to administer instructions, communicate with Clients and Surveyors, deliver reports, process payments, handle complaints, operate the platform and comply with legal, regulatory, insurance and professional obligations.

29.1.3. Information may be shared where necessary with appointed Surveyors, service providers, professional advisers, insurers, legal representatives, regulators or authorities, or where otherwise lawfully authorised. Valuations UK does not sell or rent Clients' personal information for third-party marketing.

29.1.4. Appropriate technical and organisational measures will be used to protect personal information. Information will be retained only as long as reasonably necessary, taking account of legal, regulatory, professional, insurance and limitation requirements.

29.1.5. Individuals may have rights including access, correction, erasure, restriction, objection and portability, subject to applicable legal exceptions. Complaints about personal data may be made to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). These Terms should be read with Valuations UK Ltd's separate Privacy Notice.

30. Liability

30.1.1. Valuations UK acts as a customer-facing platform and administrative service and does not assume professional liability for the independent Surveyor's inspection, valuation or report merely because it facilitated the instruction, booking, transmission or administration.

30.1.2. Valuations UK is not responsible for falsified or inaccurate qualifications, insurance details or other information supplied by a Surveyor/Specialist where it has not undertaken a professional verification obligation.

30.1.3. Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability for matters that cannot legally be excluded or limited.

31. Complaints, Law and Jurisdiction

31.1.1. Valuations UK will maintain an appropriate complaints process and provide applicable details to residential/private Clients.

31.1.2. Where the professional service is provided by an RICS-regulated firm, the applicable RICS complaints and ADR requirements apply. Consumers may have access to an approved ADR mechanism following the firm's internal complaints process, subject to the applicable RICS requirements.

31.1.3. These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. The courts of England and Wales have jurisdiction, subject to mandatory statutory consumer rights and applicable complaints or ADR procedures.

32. Acceptance

32.1.1. By accepting an instruction or agreeing to a service, the relevant Client and/or Surveyor confirms that they have read and accepted the applicable Terms & Conditions, together with any specific terms or agreed amendments applicable to the instruction.

Client / Company: ______________________________

Name: ________________________________________

Signature: ____________________________________

Date: _________________________________________

Instruction / Property: _________________________