House Valuation for Staircasing (Shared Ownership)
Staircasing means buying more shares in your shared-ownership home — increasing the percentage you own.
The price of those extra shares is based on your home's full market value today, and your housing association will require a proper RICS surveyor valuation to set it.
Estimate the cost before you pay for the valuation
A staircasing valuation isn't free — you'll typically pay a RICS surveyor a few hundred pounds. Use the free estimate above to ballpark your home's value first, so you can see roughly what the extra shares will cost before you commit.
Why staircasing needs a RICS valuation
Your housing association won't accept an online estimate or an estate agent's figure. They require an independent RICS "Red Book" valuation from a qualified surveyor, usually from a panel they approve. It's normally valid for around three months, so you need to complete within that window.
How the share price is worked out
The new shares are priced at the current market value, not what you originally paid. For example, if you own 25% and staircase to 50% of a home now valued at £300,000, the extra 25% costs £75,000 — regardless of the home's value when you first bought.
That's why the valuation matters so much: if local prices have risen, staircasing costs more than you might expect. Our estimate helps you see that coming.
Track it for free. Pop your email into the tool above and we'll send a free update when prices in your area move — no account, no estate-agent calls, no catch.
Frequently asked questions
Who values my home for staircasing?
An independent RICS-qualified surveyor, usually from a panel your housing association approves. An online estimate or estate-agent appraisal won't be accepted for the transaction.
How long is a staircasing valuation valid?
Typically around three months. If you don't complete in time, you may have to pay for a fresh valuation, so line up your finances before you commission it.
More house valuation guides: For selling · For capital gains tax · For equity release · How much has it gone up? · For divorce · For probate · Without an estate agent
For the full tool and method, see our house value calculator and how we estimate home values.
General information only, not a formal valuation. Estimates use area averages and can't see your specific home — for a precise figure use a RICS surveyor or local agent.
