Independent property valuer working from home

Executors, solicitors, accountants, divorcing couples, landlords and homeowners who need a valuation they can rely on.

A fixed fee per valuation, usually set by property type and value. Fees for more complex or higher-value properties are higher. Repeat referrals from solicitors and accountants help build steady work.

• Recognised surveying or valuation qualification
• Local market knowledge
• Clear report writing
• Careful measuring and inspection

• Lenders and many solicitors expect RICS-regulated valuers, so check what clients will accept before you start
• Professional indemnity insurance is essential and can be a major cost, so get quotes early
• Check RICS rules on firm registration, regulation and complaints handling
• Check whether you need to register for anti-money laundering supervision
• Check with your landlord or mortgage lender before running a business from home
• Your reputation rests on accuracy, so keep records of how you reached each valuation

Startup costs are typically around £2,000 to £8,000, depending on your insurance quotes, equipment and general set-up. Professional indemnity insurance can be a major cost, so it is worth getting quotes early.

The idea lists a recognised surveying or valuation qualification as a key skill. Check what clients will accept, as lenders and many solicitors expect RICS-regulated valuers, and check RICS firm registration rules and anti-money laundering supervision.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on the types of case you take, local demand and how many instructions you win. The idea is estimated to need from about 15 hours a week.