Whether you’re buying, selling, refinancing, or resolving a legal dispute, property valuers play a vital role in helping you understand what a property is truly worth. Unlike real estate agents, who provide market appraisals for sales purposes, valuers provide formal, certified reports used in legal, financial, and investment decisions.
In this guide, we’ll explain what property valuers do, when you need one, and how to select the right valuer for your situation in Australia.
What Is a Property Valuer?
A property valuer is a qualified professional who determines the fair market value of land, buildings, or other real estate assets at a specific point in time. Valuers are usually:
- Certified Practising Valuers (CPV), accredited by the Australian Property Institute (API)
- Licensed or registered under state or territory legislation
- Trained to apply recognised valuation methodologies
- Independent of real estate agents or banks
Their work is legally recognised and relied upon in banking, legal, and tax contexts.
What Does a Property Valuer Do?
Property valuers conduct:
- Physical inspections of properties
- Market research and data analysis
- Comparative sales review
- Zoning, planning, and risk assessments
- Formal report preparation for clients, lenders, or legal professionals
They assess a range of factors, including:
- Property size and layout
- Building condition and improvements
- Land zoning and development potential
- Recent comparable sales
- Local market demand
- Legal and planning overlays
When Do You Need a Property Valuer?
| Purpose | Why You Need a Valuer |
| Buying or selling property | To establish true market value |
| Refinancing or equity release | Lenders require a valuation |
| Family law matters or divorce | Courts accept valuations in property settlements |
| Inheritance and deceased estates | To divide or report estate assets |
| Capital gains tax (CGT) calculations | ATO-compliant valuations for tax purposes |
| Property insurance | To determine rebuild/replacement cost |
| Commercial or development projects | For feasibility, acquisition, or resale analysis |
Types of Property Valuers
Different valuers specialise in different property sectors:
Residential Valuers
Handle houses, units, townhouses, and land in urban or regional areas. Most commonly used for home loans or pre-sale advice.
Commercial Valuers
Focus on offices, retail, industrial, and mixed-use properties. Reports often include rental assessments and investment yields.
Rural or Agribusiness Valuers
Specialise in farming, grazing, and lifestyle properties. They assess productivity, water rights, and infrastructure.
Legal/Family Law Valuers
Provide defensible, court-ready reports used in family law, probate, or compensation cases.
How Much Do Property Valuers Charge?
Fees vary depending on property type, location, and complexity:
| Valuation Type | Price Range (AUD) |
| Residential Property | $400 – $700 |
| Commercial Property | $1,000 – $4,000+ |
| Probate/Legal Valuation | $700 – $1,200 |
| Development Feasibility | $1,500 – $5,000+ |
Some lenders may arrange and pay for a valuer as part of your loan application.
How to Choose the Right Property Valuer
When selecting a valuer, consider the following:
- Are they certified (CPV) by the Australian Property Institute (API)?
- Do they have experience with your property type and suburb?
- Are they independent of your agent, lender, or solicitor?
- Do they offer clear, detailed reports accepted by banks or legal entities?
- Can they deliver within your required timeframe (e.g., 2–5 business days)?
Ask for a sample report if needed, especially for complex or legal purposes.
What to Expect from a Valuation Report
A professional valuation report includes:
- Full legal description of the property
- Summary of improvements and building condition
- Analysis of local market conditions and comparable sales
- Details of zoning, overlays, or planning constraints
- Chosen valuation method and rationale
- Final estimated market value as of inspection date
How to Prepare for a Property Valuation
- Clean the interior and exterior
- Provide access to all rooms and structures
- Supply renovation or improvement documentation
- Share any lease agreements (if tenanted)
- Highlight recent upgrades or unique features
Conclusion
Whether you’re dealing with a lender, lawyer, accountant, or buyer, having a trusted property valuer on your side provides confidence, clarity, and compliance. Their role is vital in making objective, well-informed property decisions—and their reports often form the foundation of major financial outcomes.
Choose wisely, prepare well, and let your valuer guide you through the true value of your most important asset.