What is Comparable Evidence?
Comparable evidence is used to calculate and estimate valuations for properties that are due to go on the market. If you are a homeowner, and you want to sell your property, you may be interested in how a valuer produces their valuation. Comparable evidence is used to compare different properties in a local area. A chartered surveyor will use a set of comparables to estimate the value of an individual house or flat compared to similar properties. Using comparable evidence provides sellers with an accurate estimate of the value of the property if it were to go onto the market on a given date.
Examples of comparable evidence
There are lots of different types of comparable evidence used in RICS valuations. Here are a list of some examples of comparable evidence that a surveyor might look for.
1. Recent sale prices
Information about recent sales of similar properties in the same area. This is one of the most direct forms of comparable evidence.
2. Rental values
If you’re valuing a property for its rental potential, then recent rental values of similar properties can be used.
3. Asking prices
While not as strong as sale prices, asking prices can provide an indication of where the market might be heading or provide evidence in less liquid markets.
4. Land registry data
In some countries, the land registry provides data on completed sales which can be used for comparable evidence.
5. Auction results
Properties sold at auction can provide evidence, especially if they are similar in nature to the property being valued.
6. Estate agent listings
Listings from estate agents provide details on asking prices and sometimes rental values.
7. Previous valuations
Sometimes, past valuations, if they are recent enough, can serve as a piece of comparable evidence.
8. Development costs
For development properties, the costs of similar developments can be used as evidence.
9. Investment transactions
Details of investment transactions, including yields and terms, can provide evidence for investment properties.
10. Lease details
For properties that are being valued with a leasehold, details about similar leasehold properties, including ground rents and lease lengths, can be considered.
11. Financial reports
Sometimes, large companies report their real estate transactions in their annual reports. This can be used as comparable evidence.
12. Local market reports
Reports by local property market analysts can provide information on general trends, prices, and rental values.
13. Planning permissions
Details about planning permissions for similar properties can give insights into potential values.
14. Build costs
For new builds or properties undergoing significant renovation, the cost of construction can be a form of comparable evidence.
15. Discounted cash flow analyses
For commercial properties, DCF analyses of similar properties can be used as evidence.
16. Size and floor area
The size and floor area of properties that have recently been sold or let can provide a comparative basis for valuation.
17. Location proximity
Properties located in similar locations or proximity to amenities, transport links, schools, etc., can be used for comparison.
When using comparable evidence in RICS valuations, it’s crucial to ensure that the evidence is as recent and relevant as possible. Additionally, adjustments might be needed to account for differences between the subject property and the comparables.
How is comparable evidence used?
Comparable evidence relates to the use of comparables, which are defined by the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors as “an item of information used during the valuation process as evidence to support the valuation of another, similar item.” Valuers will use a set of comparables that are relevant to the property to determine a valuation.
Before a valuer provides a seller with a valuation for their property, they will conduct research and search for relevant comparable evidence. The valuer will record details about the property in question, which include:
- The address of the property
- Property type
- Location
- Tenure
- Basic overview and description
- Physical condition
- Environment and local area
When using comparable evidence, RICS guidelines suggest that comparables should be:
- Comprehensive: a wide range of comparables should be used during the valuation process
- Similar: the comparables should be relevant to the property being valued and similar or identical to other transactions
- Recent: the data should be up to date and reflect current market trends
- Verifiable: all comparable evidence should be verifiable to ensure reliability and transparency
- Consistent with current local market practice
- Reflective of an arm’s length transaction: this means that buyers and sellers do not influence each other
When using comparable evidence to value a property, a valuer will verify sources and record all data used. They will not usually provide specific information about the comparables used when presenting sellers with their valuation.
Challenges related to collecting comparable evidence
There are several possible reasons why valuers may struggle to collect comparable evidence that fits in with the criteria listed above. Examples include:
- A lack of available data related to previous, comparable transactions
- A lack of recent evidence
- Special purchases: some buyers will be willing to go above and beyond the market value of a property, for example, buyers looking to purchase a property close to land. In this case, the sale price may exceed the market valuation.
- A lack of evidence related to similar or identical properties
The comparables used will vary according to the type of property. A valuer will use different comparables for a rural property from a commercial or residential property.
Timing and movement of the market can pose challenges for valuers. It can be difficult to collect relevant, reliable information if houses are selling very quickly because data goes out of date rapidly or if the market slows right down and there are very few transactions that are relevant to the property being valued.
Where do valuers find comparable evidence?
The RICS uses a hierarchy of evidence framework. This includes three categories:
- Category A: direct transactional evidence and comparable data: this is usually the most useful and reliable type of evidence and includes completed transactions of similar or identical properties, which have comprehensive, up-to-date data.
- Category B: general data, which relates to information from published resources, commercial databases, historic valuations and sale prices, indices and publicly available sources. This type of data provides guidelines, rather than a direct estimate of the value.
- Category C: other sources, such as background information and transactions related to other properties. Examples include data about interest rates and stock market movements for investment properties and transactional information from different types of properties or properties in different locations.
Recording comparable evidence
When using comparable evidence, valuers are required to adhere to guidelines, which aim to maximise transparency and ensure that information is credible and verifiable. Valuers will record information linked to key comparables, including details about the property, the source of the data, the parties involved, the date of the transaction, the date of data confirmation and any additional notes about the reliability of the information used during the valuation process.
Comparable evidence for different types of valuations
There is a broad spectrum of properties available on the UK market. While this can be beneficial for buyers with varying tastes and preferences, it can make finding and collating comparable evidence challenging. It is usually relatively straightforward to find comparable evidence to value traditional homes and properties that are found commonly within residential areas, such as semi-detached and terraced houses, city-centre apartments and detached suburban homes. It can be more difficult to locate relevant data for unique properties and homes in more rural areas.
When there is a lack of comparable evidence, the knowledge, skills and experience of the valuer become more influential and they may need to broaden their search area and access a wider range of evidence to provide a valuation. This may include considering national or regional trends and transactions if it is not possible to find comparable evidence of direct market transactions.
Comparable evidence comprises a set of comparables, which are used to value a property. Valuers will use data related to similar or identical properties and transactions to enable them to estimate the value of a property if it were to go onto the market on a given date. Comparables should be comprehensive, similar or identical, verifiable and recent to ensure accurate valuations. When you have your home valued, you will be presented with a report, which contains a valuation figure. The comparables may not be listed, but valuers always record data sources and keep a record of all the evidence used to provide the valuation.
For more information about valuations, check out our guides to the ins and outs of RICS valuations. Alternatively, check out more about CJ Bloor RICS valuations and get in touch today.