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Homeowners are over-estimating the value of their property by more than £35,000, a risky assumption if you are looking to move up the property ladder and get hold of a new mortgage.

The research from Abbey shows that on average homeowners estimate their home to be worth £190,175. This is an over-estimate of £37,280 when compared to official Land Registry house price figures, which puts today's average house price at £152,895.

Despite falling house prices, homeowners across all regions of the country estimate their homes to be worth more than industry figures would suggest. Those living in the East and the South East of the country are the most optimistic about the value of their properties, with these homeowners estimating their homes to be worth a massive £53,422 above Land Registry estimates.

Property prices have been hit badly by the credit crunch and while official industry stats show the average property value has dropped by over £30,000 since January 2008, but homeowners across the country still remain optimistic and resolute about the value of their home.

Nici Audhlam-Gardiner, Abbey Director of Mortgages, commented: "Homeowners looking to remortgage or sell their homes in the near future need to make sure that the value of their home is accurate and has been valued by professionals to avoid problems or disappointment further down the line. As house prices continue to fall, the longer a customer delays on SVR, the more they risk that the good rates are out of reach to them due to fall in value of their home and the increase in their loan-to-value."

If you are looking to take out finance from your home, it's great to be optimistic, but you also have to be realistic. If your home isn't worth what you though it is, maybe you need a new financial plan. Talk to a financial adviser about what your option are and what you assets are really worth.

SOURCE: Abbey, 20/05/09

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