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How to solve a problem like the down valuation

ended 24. November 2025

Down valuations have become a big issue over the past six months, many brokers and property experts are reporting. As a result, we're looking for views on how you think the issue of down valuations could be solved. Or, if you're a valuer yourself, on whether you even think there is a problem in the first place. Any thoughts, send them across by 08:00 tomorrow as we'll be publishing this story in the morning.

2 responses from the Newspage community

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Editor
Mike Staton
Director at Staton Mortgages
The easiest way to solve a downvaluation is to hold the person or business responsible for the overvaluation. This can be done by regulating the Estate agency industry and licensing the practice of selling houses. Too many estate agents win listings by promising unrealistic property values to unknowing sellers with little regards to the consequences when the lender values it. It's a vile practise that is rife in this industry
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Patricia McGirr
Founder at Repossession Rescue Network
Are they downvaluations or the new benchmark in a market beset by change and chaos? Either way, borrowers don’t get a vote. Valuers work for the bank, not the person trying to protect their equity, and for those already in trouble that single number can wipe out years of value in one stroke. The figure that looked fine at purchase can collapse when you try to exit a bridge onto a term loan, especially in London and the South East where valuers are sticking to strict market value over optimistic vacant possession assumptions. That’s where projects unravel and borrowers get trapped. Anyone refurbishing or developing needs multiple exits, sober numbers and no room for magical thinking. Penalty interest can turn a decent deal into financial wreckage. The market is resetting and those who cost for chaos, not comfort, will be the ones still standing.