Q. What is the difference between an independent valuer and a mortgage/bank/building society or any panel valuer?

The main difference we find is that a mortgage/bank/building society or any panel valuer will try and find ways he can "see" the value of the property is worth what you have offered- this is why 99.9% of the time the valuation comes back the same as your offer and to the penny! (if you want to know more come on one of our training days).  Property valuation is not an exact science and normally there is at least plus or minus 10% (depending upon market conditions) which can be a lot of money.

Independent valuers usually have a lot more time so they can look at the property a lot more abjectly and consider what the true market value is.