What makes a strong comparable property?

Same street, same property type, similar size, currently in a lower band — and ideally a recent transparent sale.

A comparable that helps your case has four traits. (1) Geographic proximity: same street or, failing that, same postcode. (2) Property type match: detached vs semi vs terraced vs flat — a detached comparable doesn't help a flat's case. (3) Similar size: floor area within ±10% of yours. (4) Currently in a lower band, with a documented sale price visible on HM Land Registry. The more comparables that satisfy all four, the harder the VOA finds it to dismiss the challenge.

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