Your First Valuation Walkthrough

This walkthrough takes you through creating a complete Red Book valuation from property entry to PDF report.

Step 1: Add the property

Go to Properties > Add Property. Enter the full postal address. Redbook Assist will geocode the address and begin fetching external data automatically.

You will see progress indicators as each data source loads. Some sources (EPC, Land Registry) depend on the address matching public records exactly — if data is not found, double-check the address format.

Step 2: Review external data

Once fetching completes, review each data tab on the property page:

• EPC — Check the energy rating, floor area, and recommendations. The EPC floor area is often the most reliable public source for residential properties.
• Land Registry — Review price paid data to inform your comparable analysis. Note that transactions typically take 2-4 months to appear.
• Flood Risk — Confirm the flood zone classification. Zone 3 properties require specific commentary in your report.
• Planning — Check for conservation area status, listed building grade, and recent applications that might affect value.
• VOA — For commercial properties, review the rateable value and floor area from the 2023 rating list.
• Street View — Verify the image matches the property. You can adjust the heading if the default view is not ideal.

Step 3: Create the valuation

Click New Valuation on the property page. Complete the form:

• Valuation date — The effective date of your valuation
• Purpose — Select from common purposes (secured lending, acquisition, disposal, etc.)
• Basis of value — Market Value, Market Rent, Fair Value, etc.
• Special assumptions — Record any that apply
• Client — Link to the instructing client

Step 4: Select your approach

Choose one or more calculation approaches:

Each approach has its own input form with guidance notes. The system calculates the result automatically as you enter data.

Step 5: Add comparable evidence

Link comparable transactions to your valuation from the Comparables database. You can:

• Search existing comparables by postcode, address, or property type
• Add new comparables with transaction details
• Record adjustments (size, condition, location, tenure, etc.)
• Add notes explaining your reasoning

Step 6: Generate the report

Click Generate Report to produce a PDF. The report includes:

• All mandatory VPS 3 items (identification, purpose, basis, date, etc.)
• Your calculation workings
• Comparable evidence summary with adjustments
• External data summaries (EPC, flood risk, etc.)
• Practice branding and RICS compliance statement
• Caveats and assumptions

Review the PDF and save or share with your client.