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What Is a Property Valuation? A Plain-English Guide

A property valuation is an independent, professional opinion of what a property is worth — its market value — at a specific date, prepared and signed by a qualified valuer. Unlike a free online estimate or an agent’s appraisal, it’s built on comparable sales evidence and a clear methodology, and the valuer takes professional responsibility for the figure.

Who is a property valuer?
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A property valuer is a qualified professional — typically a registered or certified practising valuer — trained and accredited to assess market value to recognised standards, and (in the relevant states) registered or licensed to do so. That accreditation and independence are what separate a valuer’s signed report from an agent’s opinion or an algorithm’s number. More on this in independent property valuer and valuation vs appraisal.

What’s in a valuation report
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A signed valuation report generally sets out:

  • The property and its interest — address, title, land and building details.
  • The purpose and the effective date — what the valuation is for and the date the value applies to.
  • Market value — the assessed figure.
  • Methodology and comparable evidence — how the valuer reached it, including comparable sales.
  • Assumptions and limitations — anything the value relies on.
  • The valuer’s signature — the professional standing behind the figure.

Desktop or on-site?
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  • A desktop assessment is prepared from records, sales evidence, imagery and any material you provide — no physical visit. It suits standard property with good data.
  • An on-site valuation adds a physical inspection, capturing condition, improvements and features that records can miss — useful for renovated, unusual or higher-stakes cases.

Both are signed valuations by a qualified valuer; the difference is how the evidence is gathered. See the full desktop vs on-site comparison.

How to get a property valuation
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  1. Tell us the purpose and the property. The purpose — tax, sale, family law, estate, transfer, SMSF — drives the right pathway.
  2. We recommend desktop or on-site and confirm a fixed price before you proceed. No payment is taken at the enquiry step.
  3. The valuer prepares and signs the report. Desktop assessments are typically fast; on-site (full inspection) reports take a little longer. We confirm turnaround with your fixed price.

What it’s used for
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Tell us what the valuation is for and we'll point you to the right pathway.

Common questions
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What is a property valuation?
It's an independent, professional opinion of a property's market value at a specific date, prepared and signed by a qualified valuer using comparable sales and a clear methodology. It's stronger evidence than an online estimate or an agent's appraisal because a valuer is professionally responsible for it.
How is a valuation different from an appraisal?
An appraisal is a real-estate agent's informal opinion, usually free and often aimed at winning a listing. A valuation is a qualified valuer's signed, independent assessment with a stated methodology and comparable evidence. See our valuation vs appraisal guide.
Who can do a property valuation?
A qualified property valuer — typically a registered or certified practising valuer accredited to recognised standards and, in the relevant states, registered or licensed. Independence and that accreditation are what make the report credible.
How do I get a property valuation?
Tell us the purpose and the property; we recommend a desktop or on-site pathway and confirm a fixed price before you proceed. No payment is taken when you enquire.
How long does a valuation take?
Desktop assessments are typically fast; on-site (full inspection) reports take a little longer because of the visit and scheduling. We confirm turnaround along with your fixed price.
Is a valuation ATO-acceptable?
A signed report by a qualified valuer, with comparable sales and a clear methodology, is prepared to an ATO-acceptable standard — objective, supportable and independent. There is no "ATO-approved" valuation; no such status exists.

Related guides: desktop vs on-site · property valuation vs appraisal · property valuation cost · independent property valuer.

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General information only — not tax, financial or legal advice. The signed valuation is provided by a qualified valuer.