Why You Need a RICS Valuation for Your SIPP
When planning for your financial future, Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs) offer flexibility and control — particularly when it comes to commercial property investment. However, if you’re using property as part of your SIPP, a critical piece of the puzzle is often overlooked: the need for a professional RICS valuation.
Here’s why it matters — and why working with a regulated firm like Trafalgar Property Consultancy can save you from costly oversights.
What is a SIPP Property Valuation?
A SIPP valuation is a formal assessment of the current market value of a commercial property held (or to be held) within your SIPP. The valuation must be carried out by a RICS-qualified surveyor to comply with HMRC and pension provider requirements.
Whether you’re purchasing a new commercial property, transferring an existing one into your SIPP, or simply updating records for auditing purposes, a compliant valuation is essential.
Why Does It Need to Be RICS-Regulated?
SIPP providers and pension administrators are obligated to ensure all assets within a pension are properly valued and managed. A RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) valuation provides:
Independence & impartiality – ensuring no conflict of interest
Transparency & accuracy – using up-to-date, evidence-based market data
Regulatory compliance – meeting HMRC, FCA, and scheme provider standards
At Trafalgar, our RICS-regulated status means you receive a valuation that stands up to scrutiny — whether from auditors, trustees, or tax authorities.
When Do You Need a Valuation?
You’ll typically need a new SIPP valuation when:
Purchasing a property via your SIPP
Selling or transferring the asset out of the pension
Undertaking a pension review or revaluation
Adding a loan secured against the property
At regular intervals, usually every 1–3 years, depending on your provider
It’s always worth checking your provider’s specific requirements, as failure to comply can delay transactions or result in additional costs.
What Happens If You Don’t Have One?
In short, without a valid RICS valuation, your SIPP provider may:
Decline to proceed with the transaction
Fail to meet reporting standards, causing compliance issues
Undervalue or overvalue your pension assets, skewing your retirement planning
Getting it right at the outset ensures smoother administration and financial clarity.
Why Choose Trafalgar for Your SIPP Valuation?
With extensive experience in commercial property across the South Coast and a proven track record in SIPP and pension valuations, Trafalgar offers:
Clear, professional RICS valuation reports
Fast turnaround times
Transparent pricing
Direct liaison with your pension provider or adviser
We’ve helped dozens of clients and IFAs navigate the complexities of pension property investment with confidence.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re buying, selling, or reviewing commercial property within your SIPP, now is the time to get a professional valuation.
Get in touch with us at Trafalgar Property Consultancy to discuss your requirements.
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