If you’re dealing with property — whether buying, selling, refinancing, investing, or settling a legal matter — working with a qualified property valuer can be one of the smartest moves you make.
But what exactly does a property valuer do, and when should you engage one?
In this article, we explain the role of a property valuer in Australia, how they operate, when their services are needed, and how they differ from real estate agents.
What Is a Property Valuer?
A property valuer is a certified professional trained to determine the fair market value of real estate.
They assess residential, commercial, industrial, and rural properties based on:
- Physical inspection of the property
- Market analysis of comparable sales
- Legal zoning and land use information
- Broader economic and property trends
Valuers must be accredited — typically as a Certified Practising Valuer (CPV) with the Australian Property Institute (API) or through RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors).
What Does a Property Valuer Do?
Conduct a Property Inspection
They visit the property to examine:
- Size, layout, and condition
- Renovations and improvements
- Land value, access, and features
- Local infrastructure and amenities
- Street appeal and neighbouring properties
Perform Market Analysis
Valuers use sales data of similar properties in the area (comps) and current market conditions to determine value.
Deliver a Legally Recognised Report
The final report includes:
- A full property description
- Recent comparable sales
- The valuation methodology used
- The final market value
- Photographs and supporting documentation
These reports are accepted by banks, courts, government departments, and accountants.
When Should You Hire a Property Valuer?
You might need a property valuer for:
| Scenario | Why It Matters |
| Buying or selling | Ensure you’re paying or asking the right price |
| Refinancing your mortgage | Lenders use valuations to assess equity and risk |
| Capital Gains Tax (CGT) | Establish an accurate cost base or disposal value |
| Family law/divorce settlements | Independent value helps with fair division |
| Deceased estate or probate | Required to calculate estate asset value |
| SMSF or trust compliance | Annual or acquisition reporting |
| Insurance assessments | Accurate rebuild or replacement value |
How Is a Property Valuation Different from an Appraisal?
| Feature | Property Valuation | Real Estate Appraisal |
| Who provides it | Certified valuer (API/RICS) | Real estate agent |
| Legal recognition | Yes | No |
| Purpose | Financial, legal, tax, or insurance | Sales strategy |
| Report type | Formal valuation report | Informal price estimate |
| Used by banks/courts | Yes | No |
If you’re refinancing, resolving a legal matter, or planning tax strategy — a valuation is required, not just an appraisal.
How Much Does a Property Valuer Cost?
| Type of Property | Average Cost (AUD) |
| Standard residential home | $400–$700 |
| Prestige or complex property | $800–$1,500+ |
| Commercial property | Custom quoted |
| Retrospective (for CGT/probate) | $600–$1,200+ |
Some banks cover the cost as part of a loan application. Always confirm whether GST and travel fees are included.
What Factors Influence Property Valuation?
- Location and suburb trends
- Land size and usability
- Building condition and age
- Renovation quality
- Proximity to schools, transport, shops
- Zoning, overlays, and future development potential
Valuers use a mix of technical data and on-the-ground insight to assess value.
Tips for Working With a Property Valuer
- Be clear about the purpose of the valuation (sale, tax, finance, etc.)
- Present the property well — clean, tidy, and accessible
- Provide documents for improvements or approvals
- Ask questions — a good valuer is happy to explain their methodology
- Use a local expert who understands your suburb’s market
Conclusion
A property valuer is your key to understanding the real, unbiased market value of your property — not a sales pitch or best-case scenario.
Whether you’re managing a family home, investment property, or legal settlement, engaging a certified valuer provides certainty and compliance across your real estate decisions.
In an ever-changing Australian property market, a valuer brings confidence, clarity, and professional credibility to the table.
