Lockwood Chartered Surveyors provides independent RICS Help to Buy valuations across Norfolk and Suffolk, carried out by MRICS chartered surveyors.
Every report is written to the Homes England checklist, to reduce the risk of rejection and the cost of a second valuation. We can usually inspect within 1-2 working days of booking and send your report within 1-2 working days following our inspection.
Homes England only accepts valuations from surveyors who are RICS qualified and registered valuers. If you bought with a Help to Buy: Equity Loan (2021–2023), the rules are stricter: your surveyor must be a RICS member or fellow (MRICS or FRICS).
That rule excludes many valuers who can do other valuations, which can make Help to Buy surveyors harder to find. Our surveyors are MRICS chartered surveyors, and Lockwood Chartered Surveyors is a RICS regulated firm. That means we can value homes bought under every version of the scheme, including 2021–2023 loans.
We are also independent of any estate agent, which Homes England requires. An estate agent's market appraisal cannot be used to repay your equity loan.
The Help to Buy equity loan scheme is closed to new buyers, but existing homeowners still need a RICS valuation whenever they repay some or all of the loan. Your repayment is based on your home's current market value, not the price you paid. You choose and pay for the surveyor yourself.
You will need a valuation when you are:
If you are not sure whether you need a valuation yet, call us and we will talk it through.
Homes England can reject a valuation that does not follow its criteria, and you would then pay for a new one. Our reports are prepared to meet every point on their checklist:
We know the new-build developments across Norfolk and Suffolk, including Becketts Grove in Wymondham, The Alders in Wymondham and Kett's Meadow and Heather Gardens in Hethersett. That local knowledge matters because Homes England may also reject a value that looks too high or too low against similar homes.
A Help to Buy valuation is valid for 3 months from the date of the report, and it must be sent to Homes England within 5 days. Sales and remortgages often take longer than 3 months, so it helps to know your options.
If your report is about to expire, contact us within 2 weeks of the expiry date. An extension must come from the same surveyor who carried out the original valuation, so if we valued your home, we can offer:
Tell us as soon as you know your completion date is delayed, so we can extend your valuation in time.
We carry out Help to Buy valuations across Norfolk and Suffolk, including: Wymondham, Hethersett, Cringleford, Costessey (Queen’s Hills), Poringland, Long Stratton, Sprowston, Rackheath, Thorpe St Andrew, Old Catton, Taverham, Drayton, Hellesdon, Attleborough, Dereham, Thetford, Swaffham, Watton, Downham Market, North Walsham, Aylsham, Fakenham, Holt, Cromer, Diss, Harleston, Hingham, Bradwell, Caister-on-Sea, Gorleston, Hoveton/Wroxham, Saxmundham, Framlingham, Carlton Colville, Oulton, Beccles, Bungay, Halesworth, Red Lodge and more.
How much does a Help to Buy valuation cost?
Our Help to Buy valuations start from £299.00. We agree a fixed fee before booking, based on the size and value of your home.
How long is a Help to Buy valuation valid for?
3 months from the date of the report. It can be extended by 1 month with a valuation letter, or 3 months with a desktop valuation, if you ask within 2 weeks of expiry.
Does my Help to Buy surveyor need to be MRICS?
If you have a Help to Buy: Equity Loan (2021–2023), yes: the surveyor must be MRICS or FRICS. For earlier loans they must be RICS qualified and registered. Our MRICS surveyors meet both requirements.
Can an estate agent do my Help to Buy valuation?
No. Homes England requires a RICS valuation from a surveyor who is independent of any estate agent.
Can I use my mortgage lender's valuation?
No. Homes England needs a report addressed to them that meets its own checklist, including comparables and market commentary.
What if my home has gone down in value?
You repay the same percentage of your home's current market value. If the value has fallen, the amount you repay falls too.
What happens if Homes England rejects my valuation?
You would need to pay for a new report. Rejections usually happen when a report misses the criteria, or the value looks too high or low against similar homes. Our reports are written to the checklist to avoid this.
How long does a Help to Buy valuation take?
The inspection usually takes about 30–60 minutes, and you will receive your report within 1-2 working days.
Is a Help to Buy valuation the same as a survey?
No. A valuation confirms market value for Homes England; it is not a condition report. If you are buying, see our RICS Level 2 surveys and RICS Level 3 surveys.
Jack Benjo
Chloe MarshallHighly recommended. An appointment was booked very promptly and was very professional . Would use in the future .
Sylvia Spencer- MountneyAndrew was extremely helpful with my queries prior to the survey. The report was thorough and extensive. It also contained details of possible future repairs. Thanks to Sandrine who was friendly and helpful guiding me through the process. I highly recommend this company.
Jack StampsAndrew did a great job with our shared ownership valuation, and was attentive and helped alleviate any questions we had.
Kevin BraggAndrew’s Level 3 Survey report for our potential purchase of a 375-year-old house provided exactly the right amount of detail for us to be able to negotiate with the vendor over any perceived issues. Communication with Lockwood was excellent before and after the survey was done and we would highly recommend them to others.
Lindsey BunceWe had a great experience with Charles, who carried out a valuation of our property. He was professional, knowledgeable and friendly throughout, taking the time to explain everything clearly. We really appreciated his helpful and straightforward approach. Thanks also to Sandrine and Andrew who were so helpful and accommodating when we needed to change the date. We would definitely recommend Lockwoods to anyone looking for a reliable and professional property valuation service
Copyright Lockwood Surveyors Ltd 2026. Regulated by RICS | Lockwood Chartered Surveyors is the trading name for Lockwood Surveyors Ltd (Company No. 15564043) | Registered in England. Pitts Hill Farmhouse, Pitts Hill, Saxlingham Nethergate, NR15 1PB.
I would highly recommend Lockwood Chartered Surveyors. Andrew is very knowledgeable he’ll guide you on the right path with whatever questions you may have after they have completed the survey!
They are very quick at you receiving the report which was very handy for me as I can then raise any enquiries with my solicitor!
Highly recommend!