Quick answer
There is no single price for a property valuation in Australia. The fee depends on the type and size of the property, the purpose of the report, whether an inspection is needed, how quickly you need it and how much analysis is involved. At Monita the consultation is free and you receive a firm fee estimate before any work begins.
How much does a property valuation cost in Australia? It depends, and the honest answer is that two valuations of the same house can cost different amounts if they are for different purposes. This guide explains what moves the fee and how to compare quotes fairly. If you want a quote now, see our property valuation service.
We are certified registered valuers. We give a firm fee estimate after a free consultation and before any work starts, so you know the cost before you commit.
In this guide
What affects the fee?
The main factors are:
- The type and size of the property: a unit costs less to value than a large commercial or development site
- The purpose: a valuation for a court, an auditor or the tax office needs more analysis and evidence than a basic report
- Inspection or desktop: an inspected report includes a site visit, a desktop report relies on records and market evidence
- The valuation date: a retrospective valuation for a past date takes more research
- Urgency: a tight deadline can affect the fee
- Complexity: unusual or specialised property, mixed uses and incomplete records all add work
Desktop or inspected valuation?
A desktop valuation uses records, photographs and market evidence without visiting the property. An inspected valuation includes a site visit, which helps when the condition or the improvements have to be understood. Some purposes accept a desktop report and some do not, so check what the person asking for the valuation requires.
Lender valuation or independent valuation?
A valuation arranged by a lender is for the lender's use. An independent valuation is prepared for you and your advisers, for purposes such as bank finance, tax, estates, family law or insurance. If you need to use the report yourself, ask the valuer who may rely on it.
Want a firm fee estimate?
Tell us the property, the purpose and the date and we will confirm the scope and the fee before any work begins.
How to compare quotes
Two quotes are only comparable if they cover the same thing. Ask each valuer:
- Is the valuer qualified and registered, and are they a Certified Practising Valuer?
- What is the report for, and who can rely on it?
- Is an inspection included?
- What valuation date and basis of value will be used?
- Is the fee fixed, and what is included in it?
Mistakes to avoid
Common mistakes:
- Choosing only on price. A cheaper report that does not suit the purpose has to be redone.
- Using an online estimate or an agent's opinion as a valuation. These are usually not a formal valuation.
- Not saying what the report is for. The purpose decides the scope and the fee.
- Leaving it until the deadline. Rush jobs can cost more and leave less time to gather evidence.
Key terms explained
- Desktop valuation
- A valuation prepared from records, photographs and market evidence without visiting the property.
- Inspected valuation
- A valuation that includes a visit to the property.
- Valuation date
- The date as at which the market value is assessed.
- Basis of value
- The type of value the report gives, such as market value, chosen to suit the purpose.
- Reliance
- Who is allowed to rely on the report, such as you, your accountant or a lender.
Need a Property valuer? Talk to a valuer.
Tell us the property, the date you need the value for and what it is for. We will tell you what is needed and what it involves.
Free first call. Fee confirmed before work starts. Certified Practising Valuer. Australia-wide.
Sources and further reading
This is general information, not tax advice. Speak to your accountant or tax adviser about your own position. A valuation sets out market value at a stated date. It does not work out your tax.