Estate agents spend hours in a week measuring property to help buyers and sellers understand the real value of a property, yet despite their best efforts, floor plans are left wanting when it comes to accuracy.

The accurate measurement of any property you are looking to buy is essential, not just to make sure you are paying the right price in the first place, but also to ensure any other costs based on the size of your property are correct so you don’t face ongoing overcharging.

The first and potentially biggest charge you could face if you are paying too much for your property is Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), which is based on the property’s value. If you happen to be on the cusp of a new band, the right valuation could save you thousands of pounds in tax. The SDLT bands in the UK start at £125,000 – below this level you do not pay SLDT but in most cases you must still submit an SDLT return.

From £125,001 to £250,000 you pay 2%, then 5% on the proportion between £250,001 to £925,000. So, if you buy a property worth the average UK price of £230,292 according to Land Registry data you would pay £2,105.82 in SDLT. If your property value was, say, £275,000, then your costs would increase considerably. The SDLT would then be £3,749.95.

Now, imagine the correct measurements of your property allowed you to offer £25,000 less based on what has been sold locally in the area in recent months. That would save you the additional £1,249.95 you would have had to pay in SDLT, which isn’t to be sniffed at.

However, there are ongoing benefits to having an accurate measurement of your property. The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), for instance, is based on the exact size of your property and requires very accurate measurements to determine how much area needs heating. Errors can make a difference to your EPC rating, which can impact on the appeal of your property when you are selling.

The key to all of this is having a highly accurate measurement of your property undertaken by your estate agent, which includes all nooks and crannies in the rooms. The best way to do this is to take as many measurements within a room as possible, so if you see them taking just one or two here and there, you know there is a better way.

If you want to know the exact dimensions of your property with millimetre perfect accuracy, get in touch with us at Spec, where we can provide you with what you need in a fraction of the time. You can ask your estate agent to get in touch with us if you prefer on email us on hello@spec.co.