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Online valuation vs estate agent valuation

An online valuation uses sold-price records and statistics to estimate your home's value in seconds. An agent's valuation adds what the data cannot see: condition, layout, the street, and current buyer demand. They answer different questions, and are best used together.

Side by side

FactorOnline valuationAgent valuation
SpeedInstantA visit, then a written figure
CostFreeFree (agents hope to win the instruction)
Sees condition and layoutNoYes
BiasNone from sales targets, but limited dataMay be optimistic to win your business
Best forA quick, neutral starting rangeSetting an asking price

Figures are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Always check the contract you are offered.

When each one wins

Online valuation

  • Early planning, before you call anyone
  • Sense-checking agents' figures

Agent valuation

  • Setting the actual asking price
  • Unusual homes with few comparable sales

Our take

Start with an online figure so you know the neutral range, then invite three agents. If one agent is far above both the data and the other two, ask for their evidence.

Questions sellers ask

How accurate are online valuations?

They are usually closest for common homes on streets with plenty of recent sales, and least reliable for unusual, extended or rural properties.

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