Watch out for Valuation Data points
April 4, 2025
HMRC can read… and use Google
The Share and Assets Valuation team at HMRC is one of the cleverest bunch of people I have ever come across. Do not underestimate the skills and polite persistence which their staff will apply when they are doing their jobs.
We can all read and we can all use search engines, so it is beholden on valuers to do their desk research properly.
Our Data Request Form, via which we ask clients to submit data, is very detailed so we capture as much evidence as possible from this source. We also do our own desk research. We work with what is disclosed to us and what is in the public domain: we sniff out valuation data points wherever we can.
As a system it works pretty well, and the skill of our analysts’ at finding evidence online is great (and getting better daily!).
Most importantly, we believe in being transparent. We disclose what we find in our reports. This makes the reports much more comprehensive.
Recently, we have been focusing very hard on historical and contemporaneous valuation data points. In this regard, quite simply the facts are the facts.
The question is which, if any, of the valuation points we uncover, should be considered in the current valuation exercise?
There is no simple answer; sometimes it’s a yes and sometimes it’s a no. That is what makes valuation work so interesting. A valuer really does need to use his or her professional judgement.
Of course, as we build up data, it also becomes more valuable. If we have applied a certain approach in relation to a historical valuation data point 50 or 100 times and it has not been challenged, we will probably (but not definitely!) lean towards using it again ….. if it is right to do so in the new circumstances.
On another note, the impact of Liberation Day tariffs is now being processed. I will discuss that topic next week.
And the week after I will have some news for you about a change that is coming to the valuations market.
In the meantime, as you know by now, our team is always up for taking on a valuation. No job is too big or too small. Do call or email anytime. We love chatting to you about your clients’ valuation requirements.
