Property valuation FAQs
Adelaide property valuation questions answered by a senior valuer.
If your question is not below, call Sina on 0413 997 683 or send a brief through the contact form. Most enquiries are answered the same business day.
The basics
How a property valuation actually works in Adelaide.
Is a property valuation the same as a real estate agent's appraisal?
No. An appraisal is the agent's opinion of what your property could sell for, shaped by their goal of winning the listing. A valuation is a signed market value prepared by a certified practising valuer, supported by comparable sales evidence kept on file. Only a valuation is accepted by banks, the ATO, the Family Court and SMSF auditors.
What is involved in preparing a property valuation?
The valuer carries out an internal and external inspection, researches comparable sales evidence current to the effective date, and confirms the legal and permissible use of the land with the relevant local authority. The findings are presented in a formal signed written report with photographs and methodology disclosed.
Does the valuer need to inspect inside the property?
Yes. A thorough internal and external inspection is required to verify the property's quality, functionality, accommodation and any visible building defects, so the comparison with sales evidence is grounded in fact. Where access is restricted, the report will disclose the limitation. A valuer is not a structural surveyor; building defects warranting investigation are referred to an appropriate professional.
How long does a property inspection take?
A typical residential inspection takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the property's size and complexity. The bulk of the work happens afterwards in the office, where the data is analysed and the report is written. The full report is usually delivered within five business days of inspection.
What factors influence the value of a property?
Market value reflects economic conditions in Australia and globally, location characteristics such as adjoining properties and surrounding services, building characteristics including age, condition, size, functionality and quality, and land characteristics such as zoning, topography, shape and any encumbrances. Each factor is weighed against comparable sales evidence to arrive at a defensible market figure.
How much does an Adelaide property valuation cost?
Most metropolitan residential valuations are quoted as a fixed fee, set after a short scoping call. The fee depends on property complexity and the purpose of the report, and is confirmed in writing before any work begins. Commercial and complex matters are quoted on the brief.
How long does the whole valuation take from booking to report?
Most metropolitan Adelaide inspections occur within 48 hours of acceptance. The completed report is typically delivered inside five business days. Urgent and after-hours inspections are available on request.
Are your reports accepted by the ATO, the Family Court and SMSF auditors?
Yes. Reports are prepared by an API certified practising valuer to the methodology each body expects, with comparable sales evidence on file and methodology clearly disclosed so the report can be defended if challenged.
Do you value properties outside metropolitan Adelaide?
Yes. We service the greater Adelaide region, the Adelaide Hills and surrounding South Australian centres. Travel for regional inspections is quoted separately and arranged to suit your timeframe.
How long is a property valuation report valid for?
A valuation is current as at the date of inspection. In a stable market it remains a reliable reference for several months. For ATO, SMSF, court or insurance purposes an updated valuation is usually expected if the report is more than 90 days old.
By service
Service specific questions our Adelaide clients ask.
Can you backdate a property valuation for capital gains tax?
Yes. Retrospective valuations are standard for capital gains tax matters. We assess the property in its current state, then research the sales market on your nominated effective date to determine the historic market value, with comparable evidence retained on file. Read more about CGT valuations.
Can one party order a family law property valuation, or does it need both?
Either is acceptable. A single expert valuation jointly instructed by both parties is the most efficient route. A sole engaged valuation is also accepted in family law matters. The methodology and independence are the same. See family law valuations.
Do I need a new SMSF property valuation every year?
The ATO requires that the value of each fund asset reflects current market value at year end. A new independent valuation each year is the safest position and is the standard most auditors now expect. See SMSF property valuations.
Can I order a valuation before signing a contract on a property?
Yes. Most pre-purchase valuations are arranged inside the cooling off period or, where possible, before signing. Urgent inspections and fast turnaround reports are available when the timeline is tight. See pre-purchase valuations.
How is a commercial property valuation calculated?
Commercial valuations usually rely on a combination of the capitalisation of net income, direct comparison with recent sales of similar assets, and a discounted cash flow where lease structures justify it. The mix of methods depends on the asset class, tenancy profile and the purpose of the report. See commercial valuations.