In 2004, I had my house valued by Ryder & Dutton at ¿¿43,500. It sold for ¿¿56,500, about 30% more than the initial valuation! My advice is judge the market for yourself and get a few valuations.

   It is extremely misleading to suggest that the district valuer would value properties higher than under the previous process and that more than 300 people who have sold their properties to the Council have lost out on thousands of pounds each. This is incorrect and will unnecessarily alarm people who have gone or are going through the process.

As a result of this article, we are writing to people whose properties we are currently negotiating to buy to reassure them that the valuation processes we use are fair, and to offer them a valuation from the district valuer.

If you have been concerned by this story, please contact your neighbourhood office in Derker (652 8873) or Werneth/Freehold (911 4246) from 3rd January 2006.