Does it matter what type of valuation it is bpm45d0? £180 is £180.

Surely the comparison is between firms that will ask a client to pay for an upfront valuation, and those which include it as part of their processes and services for their client?

I think there is a difference in survey levels in terms of fees required . £180 is for example high for a drive-by but may be the normal amount charged for a full property survey and mortgage valuation which is more linked to house value ranges than anything else. A desk top or drive by will involve less work and should cost less.

That point was I think being made separately by bpm45d0 from the question of whether to arrange it independently or not.

From Mark's comment, and from personal experience, it is a high figure for the type of valuation which is probably indicated. Perhaps a more realistic figure would influence someone's decision on whether to use a local, familiar surveyor or hand over responsibility to a company who would willingly do it on one's behalf. £180 vs having your trustee organise it is an easy equation I would think?