Local property valuation practice
Run a small office with a surveyor or two, covering valuations for lenders, solicitors and local owners.
- £8k-30k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
37,124 UK companies in this field, 28% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 68310 “Real estate agencies”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A small local valuation firm with an office and one or more qualified valuers. It takes on a wider mix of work, such as probate, secured lending, insurance reinstatement and commercial valuations, depending on your team's expertise.
Your first three steps
- Work out your service mix and which valuers or associates you could bring in
- Find a small office near your main clients and price up insurance and software
- Approach local solicitors, lenders and agents to ask what they need from a valuer
Who pays
Solicitors, banks and lenders, estate agents, landlords, small businesses and private owners.
How it makes money
Fees per valuation, with panel or repeat work from regular clients. More valuers in the team means more jobs completed each week.
Skills that help
- Recognised valuer qualification
- Managing people and workloads
- Building professional relationships
- Quality checking reports
Watch out for
- Check RICS firm regulation requirements and professional indemnity insurance terms for a firm with staff
- Employer's liability insurance is needed once you hire, so check the rules
- Some lenders only use valuers through panels or management companies, so check how to get on them
- Check anti-money laundering supervision requirements
- Fixed costs like rent and insurance continue if work is quiet
🔒 Full research report for UK
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a property valuation practice?
Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £30,000, depending on your office, insurance terms and how many valuers you bring in. These are estimates, so get quotes for premises and professional indemnity cover.
What rules should I check before opening a valuation firm?
Check RICS firm regulation requirements and professional indemnity insurance terms for a firm with staff. Also check employer's liability insurance once you hire, how to get onto lender panels, and anti-money laundering supervision requirements.
How much can a small valuation practice earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on your mix of work, team size and access to lender panels. Rent and insurance continue in quiet months. Estimated time is from about 30 hours a week.
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