Professional property valuations in Melbourne

Independent valuations of a standard Melbourne house or unit generally range from about $300 to $600. Prestige, architect-designed and rural properties typically sit between $600 and $1,000, because there are fewer comparable sales and both the inspection and the write-up take longer. Development sites and mixed-use property cost more again. Retrospective, family law and court reports also sit above a straightforward market valuation. We provide free quotes with no obligation and confirm a transparent fixed price within 24 hours.

Inspecting a standard home takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes. Standard property valuations are typically completed within three to five business days. Desktop valuations are faster because there is no site visit, and we offer expedited service for urgent matters — tell us your deadline when you enquire.

As a general guide, lenders and courts treat a residential valuation as current for about 90 days. Past that, a moving market means the assessed value may no longer reflect current conditions, and an update is usually required. If your matter is likely to run for months — a contested settlement, for example — build a review point into the timetable.

A valuation is a formal, legally defensible assessment of market value prepared by a qualified independent valuer, supported by comparable sales evidence and backed by professional liability. An agent’s appraisal is a free marketing estimate with no professional liability behind it and no evidentiary weight. Banks, courts, the ATO and the State Revenue Office require a valuation, not an appraisal.

A desktop valuation is based on market data analysis without a physical inspection. A curbside valuation adds a quick external inspection from the street. A full house valuation includes comprehensive internal and external inspection with detailed market analysis, and is the only type suitable for legal matters, settlements and tax purposes. Lenders generally match the report type to the loan-to-value ratio, using desktop assessments at low LVRs and requiring a full inspection above 80 per cent.

Yes. Our reports are court-recognised and prepared in compliance with Australian Property Institute and International Valuation Standards, and are accepted by Australian courts, financial institutions, government bodies and the ATO. As an illustration of the standard required, the Victorian State Revenue Office accepts a valuation from a Certified Practising Valuer who is a member of the Australian Property Institute.

If you and your former partner can't agree on what the property is worth, yes. The Federal Circuit and Family Court requires evidence about the value of property to be given by a single expert witness — a certified valuer jointly appointed by both parties, or appointed by the court if there's no agreement. The report must comply with the Family Law Rules and the Expert Witness Code of Conduct, and the valuer's duty is to the court, not to whoever paid.

Yes. When a property is inherited, the cost base for capital gains tax is generally its market value at the date of death — which is why executors and beneficiaries need a retrospective valuation assessed at that historical date, not today's figure. We prepare backdated valuations supported by sales evidence from the relevant period, in the form the ATO expects.

Usually, yes. In Victoria, land transfer duty is calculated on the greater of the price paid and the property's market value, so transferring at a nominal price doesn't reduce the duty. For related party transfers the State Revenue Office accepts a valuation from a Certified Practising Valuer who is an Australian Property Institute member, dated within six months of the transfer. If the SRO considers the value understated it can refer the matter to the Valuer-General Victoria — and you may be liable for that cost if the Valuer-General's figure comes back 15 per cent or more above yours.

Someone needs to provide access, but it doesn't have to be you — a tenant, agent or family member is fine. Desktop and curbside valuations need no access at all. Useful documents: the council rates notice, a floor plan or plan of subdivision, details and costs of any recent renovations, and the contract of sale or lease agreement if there is one. None are essential, but they sharpen the result.