The Great Mortgage Valuation Wait: How Long Will You Be In Purgatory?
So, you've finally found your dream house (or at least a house that doesn't have a leaky roof directly over the kitchen). You've preened it for viewings, endured awkward conversations about school catchment areas with overly enthusiastic estate agents, and managed to navigate the treacherous waters of putting in an offer. Now comes the next hurdle: the mortgage valuation.
How Long Does A Mortgage House Valuation Take |
What is a Mortgage Valuation?
Tip: Focus on clarity, not speed.![]()
Basically, it's the lender's way of saying, "Hold on there, buckaroo. This house you want to shower with love and exorbitant monthly payments? We gotta make sure it's actually worth what you're paying for it." They send in a valuation surveyor, a kind of property Sherlock Holmes, to sniff out the house's true worth.
QuickTip: Skim slowly, read deeply.![]()
But How Long Does This Take?
Ah, the million-dollar question (well, hopefully not quite that expensive). The answer, my friend, is shrouded in a delightful mix of mystery and bureaucracy. It can feel like you're trapped in Schrodinger's Valuation Box - is your mortgage application alive or dead?
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Here's the thing: There's no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on a bunch of factors, more than you can shake a "For Sale" sign at:
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The Valuation Type: You might get a desktop valuation, which is basically the surveyor peering at your house from Google Maps (think less Sherlock Holmes, more armchair enthusiast). This can be quicker, like a microwave burrito - fast, but maybe not the most satisfying. Or, you could get a full-blown in-person valuation, where the surveyor rolls up their sleeves and gets stuck in. Slower, but potentially more insightful, kind of like a lovingly prepared home-cooked meal.
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The Surveyor's Schedule: If your chosen surveyor is busier than a bee with a to-do list the size of the Empire State Building, you might be waiting a while. Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to property purchases. Just try to avoid refreshing your inbox every five minutes (we've all been there).
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The Housing Market: If the market is moving faster than a greased weasel on roller skates, things might take a bit longer. The surveyor might need to do extra digging (metaphorically speaking, please don't let them take a shovel to your potential new lawn) to ensure the valuation reflects the current market frenzy.
Tip: Avoid distractions — stay in the post.![]()
So, what's the takeaway?
The wait for a mortgage valuation can feel like an eternity, but it's a crucial step in securing your dream home. Buckle up, try to be patient, and distract yourself with daydreams about how you'll decorate your new place.
Pro Tip: Get on the phone with your lender and the valuation company. A friendly nudge (not a nagging one) can sometimes help things move along a bit quicker.
And remember, even if the wait feels like torture, it'll all be worth it when you finally have the keys to your new place. Just try not to develop a nervous twitch while you're waiting.