Valuations Manager

Somo; Altrincham; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Somo is seeking an In-House Property Valuer to join our underwriting team in Altrincham. This office-based role focuses on independent property analysis, AVMs, and valuation review to support lending decisions across residential, commercial, and mixed-use assets.

You'll review AVMs and Desktop/Full Valuation reports, carry out market research using Land Registry and planning portals, and challenge valuation assumptions where appropriate, with PD indemnity not required.

Qualifications

• Strong property knowledge across residential and commercial sectors.
• Experience reviewing AVMs, desktop valuations and reports.
• Analytical thinker with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Review AVMs and assess their suitability for lending purposes.
• Review Desktop Valuations and Full Valuation reports for policy alignment.
• Carry out independent property research using Land Registry, planning portals, and mapping tools.
• Analyse comparable sales evidence and local market conditions.
• Assess location risk, property type, demand and marketability.
• Identify valuation inconsistencies or areas needing further investigation.
• Work with Underwriters to provide an independent view on property security.
• Review loan-to-value calculations and provide recommendations where needed.
• Support lending decisions with insights across residential, commercial, mixed-use and land assets.
• Stay updated on market trends and regional property movements.

Skills

Property valuation

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

UK property market knowledge

AVMs & desktop valuations

Valuation reporting

Education

RICS qualification (desirable)

Tools

Land Registry

Planning portals

Mapping software

Market data sources

Job description

Location: Altrincham, Greater Manchester (Office Based)

Employment Type: Full Time, Permanent

About Somo

Somo is an award-winning specialist bridging lender, providing fast, flexible property finance across England and Wales. Since 2014, Somo has completed over £403 million of lending by combining common-sense underwriting with a pragmatic approach to property-backed lending.

As we continue to grow, we're looking to appoint an In-House Property Valuer to work alongside our underwriting team, providing independent property analysis and valuation support to help drive informed lending decisions.

The Role

This is an office-based position supporting our lending team through detailed property assessment and valuation review.

We are particularly interested in speaking with candidates who have previously worked within a specialist lender, bridging lender or bank as an in-house valuer or valuation analyst.

This is not a fee-earning surveying role and Professional Indemnity Insurance is not required.

You'll provide an independent view of property security, challenge valuation assumptions where appropriate and support the underwriting team in assessing lending risk.

Key Responsibilities

• Review Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) and assess their suitability for lending purposes.
• Review Desktop Valuations and Full Valuation reports, ensuring they align with Somo's lending policy.
• Carry out independent property research using Land Registry, planning portals, mapping software and market data.
• Analyse comparable sales evidence and local market conditions.
• Assess location risk, property type, demand and marketability.
• Identify valuation inconsistencies or areas requiring further investigation.
• Work closely with Underwriters to provide an independent opinion on property security.
• Review loan-to-value calculations and provide recommendations where additional comfort is required.
• Support lending decisions by providing commercial property insight across residential, commercial, mixed-use and land assets.
• Keep up to date with market trends and regional property movements.

About You

We're looking for someone with strong property knowledge and commercial judgement.

Ideally you'll have experience within:

• A specialist lender or bridging lender.
• A bank or commercial lender.
• A valuation department or credit risk team.
• Property valuation or underwriting.

You’ll also have:

• Excellent understanding of UK residential and commercial property.
• Experience reviewing AVMs, desktop valuations and survey reports.
• Strong analytical skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Confidence challenging valuation assumptions where appropriate.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work at pace whilst maintaining high levels of accuracy.

RICS qualification is desirable but not essential. Previous experience within a lending environment is preferred.

What You'll Receive

• Opportunity to join one of the UK's leading bridging lenders.
• Work alongside experienced underwriters and senior lending professionals.
• Play a key role in lending decisions that directly impact the business.
• Exposure to a varied property portfolio including residential, commercial, mixed-use, land, HMOs and refurbishment projects.
• Supportive, collaborative and fast-moving working environment.