Demystifying The Desktop Property Valuation - A Walkthrough Guide for Homeowners

Demystifying The Desktop Property Valuation - A Walkthrough Guide for Homeowners

When it comes to property surveys, technology has made the process faster and more efficient. More specifically, the desktop property valuation—a method that provides an accurate rebuild cost estimate for your home without requiring an on-site visit. But what exactly is a desktop property valuation, and how does it compare to traditional methods? In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about a desktop survey, their benefits, and when they should be used.

Understanding the Desktop Property Valuation

A desktop property valuation is a property assessment conducted remotely using existing data. Instead of having a surveyor physically come to your property, a surveyor will analyse cost data, construction costs, and other relevant information to determine an accurate rebuild cost estimate. By leveraging digital tools and databases, desktop property valuation provide a practical solution for assessing rebuild cost estimates quickly and efficiently.

How Does a Desktop Property Valuation Work?

The process begins with data collection, where the valuer gathers essential details about the property, including its size, location, construction type, GEFA (gross external floor area.) This information is then collated and analysed using advanced software.

Once the data has been reviewed, surveyors use industry cost data and calculation software to estimate the property's rebuilding costs. At Don’t Guess, we go one step further on our desktop surveys; we use high resolution satellite imagery to cross check measurements and property access, we utilise a deep cost data library, and a professional surveyor then reviews the findings to ensure accuracy, before providing all this information in a user friendly valuation report.

This is particularly useful for homeowners who may live in areas with accessibility issues, something which can easily be overlooked by surveyors who provide less detailed desktop surveys.

Benefits of a Desktop Property Valuation

One of the biggest advantages of a desktop property valuation is the faster turnaround time. Unlike traditional site visits, which can take weeks, desktop surveys can be completed within a number of days. This makes them an excellent option for those who need urgent assessments, we offer a specific service catering to this which is a 2 day priority estimate.

Another key benefit is that desktop valuations are cost-effective. Since there is no need for travel or on-site inspections, they are generally more affordable than on-site surveys. This makes them less intrusive to homeowners, and more accessible to lenders and insurers.

Desktop property valuation are very accurate and reliable, thanks to the use of comprehensive cost data and advancements in the technology available. They provide a clear and data-backed rebuild cost estimate of the property.

When Should You Use a Desktop Property Valuation?

Desktop property valuation are particularly useful in situations where an efficient and reliable rebuild cost estimate is needed. Common examples are when people have bought a new home and are required to take out home insurance. A desktop survey gives you an accurate estimate to take to your home insurance provider, and provides you peace of mind. This also applies to existing homeowners when they come to renew their home insurance, a lot can change in 12 months so we recommend obtaining an updated estimate.

Another common example is when a homeowner has made renovations or larger scale changes to their property, e.g. an extension, a new kitchen; something that would change the value of your property and therefore may change the rebuild cost for the home insurance. 

Limitations of Desktop Property Valuation

While desktop property valuation are highly effective, they may not be suitable for every situation. Properties that are highly unique or listed buildings can require in-person assessments due to their complexity or historical significance. We do offer desktop property valuations on listed buildings due to additional resources available to us.

Conclusion

A desktop property valuation is a powerful tool for obtaining accurate rebuild cost estimates quickly and cost-effectively. Whether you're a first time buyer who’s just bought your first home, or an insurance broker looking to provide an estimate for your client, desktop property valuations offer a practical and efficient solution. While they may not fully replace on-site surveys, they provide an efficient alternative to meet many homeowners needs. 

*Please note: we are not financial advisers or insurance advisers, so this is not financial advise and is solely for information purposes.