Property valuation
The most common way to get a property valuation is to contact an estate agent who will value your property in person.
A property valuation is usually a free service provided by all estate agents, but bear in mind that a valuation is performed on the premise that you will instruct them to sell your home so you may have to endure some strong sales techniques as you will be getting something for nothing!
If you are seriously considering selling your property then it is wise to get at least three property valuations by different estate agents. It is wise to check your estate agent's local presence and marketing to gauge whether they are likely to achieve the value suggested during their property valuation. However, remember that the value of your property is only as much as a home buyer is prepared to pay for it! Estate agents like Foxtons offer free property valuations in and around London.
For an accurate property valuation you can contact the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors for a local surveyor.
Additionally, when you apply for a mortgage, your mortgage lender will value your property to determine how much money to lend to you, which, in the current credit climate is the only sure way of finding the true value of your property.
Latest mortgage deals through NationwideYou can of course value your own property and request that it be advertised at that amount!
Online property valuation
You may just want an approximate idea of your property's value based on current market conditions, rather that the home improvements you may have done to the property, so an online property valuation may suffice.
Online property valuations are usually based on the Land Registry's recently sold properties data so can be slightly out of date, but there may be enough information for you to notice local price trends.