Stated preference valuation
RICS Insight Paper ‘Value of natural capital - the need for chartered surveyors’ published by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in 2017 suggests that stated preference valuation methods rely on the stated preferences of stakeholders. These may be drawn from a key group, or from a more general population. They are preferred for the estimation of non-use values such as altruistic, bequest and existence values.
Two principal approaches are used:
Where contingent valuation is: ‘An approach that asks respondents direct questions about their willingness to pay (WTP) for various environmental options. Alternatively, respondents may be asked what price they would be willing to accept (WTA) for the loss of an option… Contingent valuation has not always enjoyed a good press, and it is important that samples are large enough to give meaningful results, the choices are placed in an appropriate context and respondents are carefully reminded that their own financial resources are limited.’
Choice modelling is: ‘often done in focus groups (group approaches). When the approach can be described as deliberative, respondents are asked to choose between options that have different costs.’
Contingent valuation and choice modelling can be combined.
Other approaches to valuation include:
- Revealed preference methods.
- Value transfer/benefit transfer.
NB The Green Book, Central Government Guidance On Appraisal And Evaluation, Published by HM Treasury in 2020, suggests: ‘Stated preference is a technique for eliciting values for something that is not-marketed, and is derived from responses to expertly designed surveys.’ See also willingness to pay and willingness to accept.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable Gothic characters, designed to dramatically spout water away from buildings.
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.