property valuation

 

Business peoples view a commercial property valuation services as an unnecessary expense. In fact, there are many reasons why business of all sizes in all industries, may need to have their commercial properties valued. While those who are new to commercial real estate ownership might prefer to avoid the expense, it can prove to be much more expensive if the value of the property is underestimated.

All business need funding and for many funding is secured against the premises the business owns. When this is the case for any given business its mandatory that the business has an accurate valuation because it’s required by the bank

When you attempt to obtain a bank loan using your business premises as security, your bank will have their own valuation performed using an RICS registered value. However, it’s also important that you’re aware of the value of your premises before attempting to obtain a loan, to show that you’ve done the necessary research and you’re knowledgeable about your own business. It’s definitely not ideal to show up to a meeting with a bank manager with no clear idea how much the property is worth or have unrealistic expectations about how much the business can borrow, as it will only delay the process of getting the loan.

One of the most important reasons to have commercial property valued is simply that it’s good business practice to have an up-to-date and accurate record of all the organization’s assets.

For instance, any time someone buys into the business, or ownership of assets are transferred, it may be necessary to have an up-to-date valuation of the assets owned, including business premises and land. It’s also possible that other organizations you do business with may require you have that information available, so it makes sense to have your company’s land and buildings valued periodically. When that information isn’t easily to hand it can cause negotiation delays or prevent two companies from reaching an agreement altogether. Simply put, it’s a vital piece of information that isn’t needed every day, but which can lead to frustration and lost earnings if it’s not readily to hand when it is needed.

If your business owns the premises on which it operates, then a current valuation is required if the premises are sold. This is because Inland Revenue requires a formal valuation for calculating whether Capital Gains tax is due.

Alternatively, if partial or full ownership of the business premises is being transferred rather than sold, then Stamp Duty must be paid. Again, Inland Revenue requires a formal evaluation of the property in order to calculate the amount that is due.

The importance of commercial property valuation services is easy to see when the business owns the property, but what if your company is leasing its premises? It’s not quite so clear-cut when your business leases commercial property, but there are still instances where it can be prudent to have a current valuation.

For instance, if your business is coming to the end of a lease and you are not planning to renew the contract, having an independent valuation can prove to be useful. This is the case if your lease includes coverage for repair liabilities, and if the landlord wants to make a claim for dilapidations. In this instance, the amount of dilapidations that can be claimed is limited to the reduction in property value. For example, if the value of the property has reduced by £8,000, then that amount is the most that can be claimed in dilapidations.