When property forms part of a divorce or separation, a clear and impartial valuation can help both parties understand its market value and make informed decisions.
Skinner Holden provides matrimonial valuations for residential, rural, commercial and mixed-use property across Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and the wider South East of England.
Our reports are prepared by Iain Skinner, an experienced Chartered Surveyor and RICS Registered Valuer. We provide professional advice without fear or favour, with clear reporting that can be understood by clients, solicitors and advisers.
Clear, independent property valuations
A matrimonial valuation provides an independent assessment of a property’s market value at a specific date. It may be required during divorce, separation or financial settlement discussions where property needs to be divided, transferred or considered as part of a wider agreement.
This may include a family home, rural house, farm, agricultural land, woodland, commercial building, estate, development land or mixed-use property.
Some properties are relatively straightforward to value. Others require a more detailed understanding of land, planning, occupation, access, restrictions, development potential or rural property markets. These factors can materially affect value and should be considered carefully.
When you may need a matrimonial valuation
You may need a matrimonial valuation to:
- Understand the market value of a property
- Support discussions between solicitors or advisers
- Assist with financial settlement negotiations
- Provide an independent report where both parties require clarity
- Value rural, commercial or mixed-use property interests
- Assess property where planning, land or development considerations may affect value
- Support decision-making where ownership or property interests are more complex
We can be instructed by private individuals, solicitors, family law professionals or other advisers. Where both parties require one impartial valuation, the instruction should be agreed at the outset so that the purpose, scope and reporting requirements are clear.
Our Matrimonial Valuation Service
We provide RICS Red Book valuation reports tailored to the property and the purpose of the instruction.
Depending on the nature of the property, our work may include:
• An inspection of the property
• Review of location, condition, access and occupation
• Consideration of land, buildings, planning matters or development potential
• Review of any relevant restrictions, rights of way, tenancies or covenants
• Research into comparable market evidence
• Professional judgement on the appropriate valuation approach
• A clear written report setting out the valuation and supporting evidence
We aim to make the process straightforward. The report will be professional and detailed, but written clearly so that clients and advisers can understand the key points without unnecessary jargon.
Rural, Commercial and Complex Property Valuations
Skinner Holden are particularly well placed to assist where the property is not a standard residential house.
Many matrimonial valuations involve assets where experience and judgement matter. Rural homes, farms, land, woodland, commercial buildings, equestrian property, development sites and market town property can all involve factors that affect value.
Planning history, agricultural or commercial use, access rights, tenancy arrangements, restrictive covenants, building condition and potential alternative uses may all need to be considered. We bring broad property experience to these instructions, helping clients and advisers understand both the valuation figure and the reasoning behind it.
Working with Solicitors and Advisors
We regularly work with solicitors and professional advisers who require clear, independent valuation advice for their clients.
Before starting work, we will confirm who is instructing us, the purpose of the valuation, the valuation date, the property interest being valued and any specific reporting requirements.
Where a report is required for formal proceedings, this should be confirmed before the instruction begins so that the scope of work and report format are appropriate.
We do not provide legal advice. Our role is to provide independent property valuation advice to support clients and their advisers.
Why Choose Skinner Holden?
Skinner Holden provides personal advice from an experienced Chartered Surveyor. You deal directly with someone who understands the property, the valuation process and the importance of getting the details right.
Clients choose us for:
- Clear and impartial advice
- RICS Red Book valuation reports
- Professional, knowledgeable and reliable service
- Experience with rural houses, land, farms, commercial buildings and estates
- A practical understanding of planning and property matters
- Personal service from an experienced valuer
- No agency work, helping avoid common conflicts of interest
- Straightforward communication throughout the process
We understand that matrimonial valuations can be needed at a difficult time. Our approach is calm, professional and focused on giving you the clarity you need.
Areas We Cover
Skinner Holden provides matrimonial valuations across Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and the wider South East of England.
We regularly advise on property in rural areas, villages, market towns and countryside locations, as well as commercial and mixed-use property where specialist valuation experience is needed.
How The Process Works
The first step is usually a short discussion to understand the property and why the valuation is needed. This helps us confirm whether we can assist and what type of report is required.
We will then agree the scope of the instruction, arrange an inspection where needed, review the relevant information and prepare the valuation report.
Once complete, the report will set out the valuation clearly, along with the evidence and reasoning used to support it.
Get In Touch
Call: 01730 815829
Mobile: 07827 394720
Email: enquiries@skinnerholden.co.uk
If you have a question or would like more information, please send us a message using the contact form. Alternatively give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
No. We provide independent property valuation advice. Legal advice should be obtained from a solicitor or qualified legal adviser.
Where a report is required for formal proceedings, this must be discussed and agreed before the instruction begins. This ensures the scope of work and report format are appropriate for the intended purpose.
We can provide matrimonial valuations for houses, rural homes, farms, agricultural land, woodland, paddocks, cottages, commercial property, development land, equestrian property and mixed-use property.
Yes. We can be instructed by one party, a solicitor or another professional adviser. Before accepting the instruction, we will confirm the purpose of the valuation and any relevant reporting requirements.
Yes, in some cases both parties may agree to instruct one valuer to provide an impartial report. This should be discussed with the relevant solicitors or advisers before the valuation is commissioned.
In many matrimonial matters, a RICS Red Book valuation is advisable because it provides a formal, evidence-based report prepared by a qualified RICS Registered Valuer. Solicitors and advisers often prefer this level of reporting where clarity, independence and professional standards are important.
A matrimonial valuation is an independent property valuation prepared for divorce, separation or financial settlement purposes. It helps establish market value so that property can be considered as part of the wider financial arrangements.