Understanding the Property Valuation Process

Whether it's your first valuation or you've been through it before, it helps to know what to expect. Here's how the process works from start to finish — no surprises.

Step 1: Initial contact and scoping

When you contact us, we'll ask about the property, the purpose of the valuation, and any deadlines you're working to. This helps us assign the right valuer — someone who knows your area and property type — and provide a fixed-fee quote upfront.

Common purposes include bank lending, sale or purchase, relationship property settlement, estate administration, and insurance. The purpose affects how we approach the valuation, so it's important to get this right from the start.

Step 2: Property inspection

A registered valuer visits the property in person. For a standard residential property, this takes 30 to 60 minutes. During the inspection, the valuer will:

• Measure the building footprint and assess the floor area
• Record the construction type, age, and condition of the building
• Note the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas
• Assess the quality of fixtures, fittings, and recent improvements
• Inspect outbuildings, garaging, and outdoor areas
• Photograph the property inside and out
• Note any issues — weathertightness, structural concerns, deferred maintenance
• Assess the land — contour, orientation, views, and any hazards

You don't need to be present, but it helps if someone is available to provide access and answer questions about recent work or consents.

Step 3: Market research

After the inspection, we research comparable sales — recent transactions of similar properties in the area. This is the foundation of the valuation. We analyse sale prices, adjust for differences in size, condition, location, and features, and identify the market trend.

For commercial properties, we also research rental evidence, capitalisation rates, and vacancy levels. For development sites, we run feasibility models.

Step 4: Valuation assessment

Using the inspection data and market research, we form our opinion of value. For residential properties, the primary method is direct comparison — what are similar properties selling for? We may also consider the replacement cost approach for newer or unusual properties.

For income-producing properties, we use the capitalisation approach (rental income divided by an appropriate yield) and may also apply discounted cash flow analysis for complex assets.

Step 5: Report preparation and delivery

We prepare a detailed written report that includes:

• Full description of the property
• Legal description, title details, and zoning
• Photographs
• Summary of comparable sales evidence
• Valuation methodology and reasoning
• The assessed market value
• Any assumptions, conditions, or qualifications

Residential reports are typically delivered within 3 to 5 working days from the inspection date. Reports are emailed as PDFs and, where required, submitted directly to your bank through their valuation portal.

What if I disagree with the valuation?

If you believe we've missed something or have questions about the assessed value, call us. We're happy to discuss our reasoning and consider any additional information. Valuers are human — if there's a genuine error or relevant evidence we weren't aware of, we'll review it.