Please check which valuation firm your lender uses before paying any fees.
I commissioned a private Level 2 RICS survey from a local independent surveyor (£640). It was thorough and flagged only minor issues. My broker then advised that Virgin required their own valuation (£275) and wouldn’t accept my private report.
What followed was three attempts over three weeks just to get the valuer to the property, because they repeatedly used the wrong address/postcode and even tried to book the wrong property. After finally attending, they reported the property was in “ill repair with high levels of damp,” yet I’ve been given no report, no readings, and no supporting evidence despite multiple requests.
I immediately provided my independent RICS report for review. A week later, I’m still in limbo. I’m porting my mortgage, so switching lender would incur significant cost—this process has become a stressful, costly bottleneck.
Why this matters:
Administrative errors (incorrect address/postcode) created avoidable delays.
A serious negative conclusion was reached without sharing the underlying evidence.
A credible, detailed independent survey was ignored.
Communication and accountability have been poor throughout.
What I’m asking for:
Immediate disclosure of the valuation report and all supporting evidence (including damp readings).
A formal review of the decision in light of the independent RICS report.
Confirmation that all records now show the correct property details.
A named case owner and a clear timeline to resolution.
Based on this experience, I cannot recommend this valuation process. Lenders should ensure their appointed valuers are accurate, transparent, and responsive—or allow recent independent RICS reports to be considered. Consumers: ask your mortgage provider who they use before agreeing any fees. Otherwise, Someone will stamp all over your dream house and walk off without a care in the world. No report, no evidence, no response. Nothing.