A professional valuation is an independent, evidence-based opinion of a property’s value at a specific date. Whether you’re buying, selling, borrowing or reporting, understanding what drives the figure helps you act with confidence — and tells you whether a price is fair.
What valuers actually assess
- Location & accessibility — neighbourhood, infrastructure, and proximity to amenities and roads.
- Land tenure & size — freehold vs leasehold, plot size, zoning and permitted use.
- The improvements — size, age, quality of finishes, condition and services.
- Market evidence — recent comparable sales and lettings in the area.
Common methods
For most homes and land, valuers rely on the comparison method, benchmarking against similar properties that have recently transacted. Income-producing assets are assessed on the income (investment) method, capitalising the rent they generate, while specialised properties may use the cost (contractor’s) method. The choice of method follows the property and the purpose of the valuation.
Standards and the date of value
Credible valuations are prepared by professionals working to recognised standards — locally through bodies such as the Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK), and internationally in line with RICS valuation standards. Because value reflects the market on a specific date, two valuations months apart can differ legitimately. A sound report states its purpose, basis of value, assumptions and the evidence behind the number — so a bank or court can rely on it.
If you’re commissioning a valuation, be clear about its purpose up front: a figure for mortgage security, sale, insurance or accounting can each be defined differently.
The approaches a valuer uses
A professional valuation is never a single guess. Registered valuers apply recognised methods and choose the one that best fits the property and the purpose. The comparable (market) approach studies recent sales and asking prices of similar properties nearby. The income (investment) approach capitalises the rent a property earns and suits commercial buildings and rentals. The cost (contractor’s) approach estimates what it would cost to replace the building, less depreciation, plus land value. For development land, a residual approach works back from the value of the finished scheme.
What moves the number
Location and accessibility usually matter most — proximity to roads, services, schools and commercial nodes. Beyond that, valuers weigh the size and shape of the land, tenure (freehold or leasehold, and the years remaining on a lease), the condition and quality of any buildings, permitted use and zoning, infrastructure such as water, power and sewerage, and current market sentiment. Two seemingly similar properties can value very differently once these factors are weighed.
When you need a professional valuation
Valuations are required for mortgage security, insurance reinstatement cover, financial reporting, transfer and stamp duty assessment, compensation, estate planning and dispute resolution. Using the right basis of value for the right purpose protects you from over-paying, under-insuring, or being caught out at the bank.
Work with a registered valuer
In Kenya, valuations should be carried out by a valuer registered with the Valuers Registration Board and a member of the Institution of Surveyors of Kenya. Our practice is aligned with international (RICS) standards, so the figure you receive is defensible, well-documented and fit for its intended use. Talk to an advisor if you need a valuation you can rely on.
