Poll shows advisors not comfortable talking about valuations

July 8, 2025 by Brendan O'Neill

Mortgage Advisors

News

A new survey of mortgage advisors has found that a significant percentage of them are not comfortable talking about property valuations with their clients, for a variety of reasons.

This poll was conducted by Countrywide Surveying Services, as part of a webinar it hosted called ‘How properties are valued and the process around valuation appeals.’ Those advisors taking part in the poll were asked about their comfort levels when it comes to talking with clients about the process of valuations. In response, 14% of them stated that this was not something they were comfortable with at all.

However, the largest percentage of advisors – at 53% – said that they were somewhat comfortable talking to clients about property valuations. The percentage that considered themselves very comfortable with it was just 25%. This certainly indicates that there is an issue that needs to be resolved.

What lies at the root of it may be explained by the response to another question. Asked whether they thought agreed sales prices and appraisals by estate agents were an accurate reflection of the value of properties, 71% of advisors stated that they were not.

Speaking to FT Adviser, Rebecca Freeman from Countryside Surveying Services said that:

“While many buyers feel reasonably confident, there remains a clear opportunity for closer collaboration between brokers and surveyors to deliver consistent, informed guidance throughout the property journey.”

This is something that most mortgage advisors with CeMAP training would agree with, as the priority for the majority of them is to ensure their clients get the best possible advice.