Valuation Negligence (Bratt v Jones)

Property Disputes analysis: In Bratt v Jones, the Court of Appeal reaffirmed that to establish negligence against a valuer, the claimant must demonstrate both that the valuation fell outside the applicable bracket and that the valuer failed to exercise reasonable care and skill. The decision confirms the continued relevance of the 'bracket' concept in valuation negligence claims and clarifies that being outside the bracket does not automatically imply negligence.

Bratt v Jones [2025] EWCA Civ 562

What are the practical implications of this case?

This case has significant implications for professional negligence claims against valuers. It confirms that claimants must establish both that the valuation was outside the permissible margin of error and that the valuer failed to act with reasonable care and skill. The judgment reinforces the importance of expert evidence in determining the appropriate bracket and assessing valuation methodology. Legal practitioners