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Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it often comes with big decisions—like figuring out if now is the right time to buy or if waiting for possible price drops might be smarter. If you’re new to understanding property values, it can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—that’s where a property valuer steps in as your trusted guide.

The Australian property market can be both exciting and challenging, especially with its recent ups and downs. According to CoreLogic (2024), the national Home Value Index (HVI) saw a slight 0.1% increase in November, the slowest growth since January 2023. But in December, the index fell by 0.1%. These changes show how unpredictable the market can be, which is why it’s more important than ever to make informed decisions.

This is where having the right expert by your side can make a huge difference. At Independent Property Valuations (IPV), we bring decades of experience, offering accurate and reliable insights into your property’s value. Whether you own a residential home, commercial property, or investment property, our expert team is here to provide you with the most up-to-date and precise property valuation information.

Now, let’s dive into the key scenarios where hiring a property valuer can truly make a difference in your decision-making process.

property valuer

Top 10 Scenarios When You Need a Property Valuer

When it comes to real estate transactions or dealing with legal and financial matters, a property valuer can be your best ally. They’ll help you ensure you get the right market value for your property.

Let’s explore the ten situations where their expertise becomes really helpful.

1. Buying or Selling Property

When you’re buying or selling real estate, making a price assumption just doesn’t cut it. That’s where a property valuer steps in, providing a professional valuation based on key factors like market trends, location, size, and condition. Their insights help ensure that buyers don’t overpay and sellers get a fair price that truly reflects their property’s worth.

For example, when valuing a residential property, a valuer will look at things like nearby schools, transport options, and recent sales in the area. In the case of commercial properties, they’ll assess things like income potential and the best use of the space. With a property valuer’s expert insights, you’ll be well-equipped to negotiate with confidence.

2. Handling Family Law Matters or Property Settlements

Going through a divorce or property settlement can be emotionally draining, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed as you try to divide the assets fairly. According to the Australian Institute of Family Studies (2023) there are 2.2 divorces per 1,000 residents. In fact, in 2021 alone, there were over 56,000 divorces granted – the highest since 1976!

During property settlements, when residential property is often involved, having a professional property valuer on your side can make all the difference. They provide a neutral, unbiased assessment of the property’s value, ensuring fairness as you divide your family home or other assets. This expert input helps keep things transparent and equitable during what can often be a very challenging time.

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3. Facing Compulsory Acquisition

If your property is being acquired by the government for a public project, you might be asking yourself: “Am I being offered the right compensation for my property?”

A study by Newell, et. al, (2011), which examined court cases filed between 1985 and 2009, found that 91.4% of compensation claims were successful, with median compensation values of $632,500. However, when cases were appealed, with 24.1% of them being contested, the average judgment was $4.7 million—but only 28.6% of these appeals were successful, resulting in a maximum of 5.6% additional compensation.

This is where a trusted property valuation company, like IPV, comes in. They ensure that your property’s market value is assessed accurately—not just its current value, but its full market potential. This professional insight helps you secure the fair compensation you deserve during what can be a complex and emotional process.

4. Managing Tax Obligations

Managing taxes can be tricky, especially when it comes to property. For instance, if you’re selling an investment property in Sydney for more than what you originally paid, you might find yourself facing Capital Gains Tax (CGT).

But how do you figure out exactly how much you owe? And what other properties do you need to consider when calculating your CGT? This is where a qualified property valuer plays a key role. They assess your property’s market value at specific points in time, providing the accurate data your accountant needs to calculate the correct CGT.

You might also face taxes like Transfer Duty when selling or gifting property. A property valuer ensures you’re well-informed and prepared for any tax obligations that come your way.

5. Setting the Right Rental Price

Do you think your rental property is working as hard as it could be? Whether you’re a landlord, tenant, or investor, knowing your property’s true rental value is key to making sure you’re not leaving money on the table or paying more than what’s necessary. This is where a property valuer comes in to make sure your property’s potential is fully realised while keeping things fair and aligned with the market.

Recent data shows that Australia’s rental index increased by 4.8% in 2024, though it’s down from the 8.1% growth in 2023 and 9.5% in 2022 (CoreLogic, 2025). Factors like overseas migration and rent affordability are influencing rental demand, which is why setting the right rental price is more important than ever.

A property valuer considers factors like location, condition, and market trends to give you an accurate rental value. This helps landlords maximise their income while making sure their tenants are paying a fair price. With the constant changes in the rental market, having the right price is crucial.

6. Dealing with Strata Schemes and Unit Entitlements

Living in an apartment can sometimes feel complicated, especially when it comes to shared ownership responsibilities, contributions, or fees. When things feel unfair, it can lead to frustration, conflicts, and even legal issues.

As more people opt for strata living, getting an accurate property valuation is vital to ensure everything is fair. In fact, 2.5 million Australians now live in private apartments (Australasian Strata Insights, 2022), and in New South Wales, nearly 1 in 5 residents call a strata property home.

A precise property valuation ensures that unit entitlements—how much each owner pays in fees—are calculated fairly. This helps avoid disputes and keeps things running smoothly within your community, so everyone can enjoy the benefits of strata living without the stress.

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7. Resolving Property Disputes or Litigation

Property disputes are never easy. Whether it’s about ownership, property rights, land use, or contracts, these disagreements can quickly become stressful and emotionally draining.

This is where a professional property valuer steps in as your key ally. Their unbiased valuations and expert reports provide clarity and credibility, which can be invaluable in resolving conflicts. If your dispute goes into court, a property valuer can even serve as an expert witness, giving you an extra edge.

With their help, you can trust that your property is valued fairly and accurately, giving you the confidence to navigate disputes and work toward an effective and fair resolution.

8. Managing an SMSF Property

When your property is part of a self-managed super fund (SMSF), getting the valuation right isn’t just important—it’s essential. Accurate valuations ensure you’re meeting tax and legal requirements while staying compliant with Australian Taxation Office (ATO) regulations.

A property valuer removes the guesswork, helping you stay on top of your responsibilities while also identifying potential risks. Whether you’re buying, selling, or holding an SMSF property, they guide you in making smart and informed investment decisions every step of the way.

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9. Struggling to Sell a Property

Has your property been sitting on the market for a while without attracting enough interest? The problem might lie in its price.

Take Sydney’s auction market as an example—last November (2024), 1,073 properties went to auction, marking the second-highest number for the spring season and the third-highest for the year (CoreLogic). Despite this activity, some properties struggled to sell as buyers became increasingly price-sensitive.

This is where a property valuer can make a real difference. They’ll assess the current market trends and help you adjust your asking price to attract serious buyers. Also, as the market constantly changes, what was once a fair asking price may now be too high or low. But with a property valuer’s insights, your price can stay competitive, giving you the best chance to seal the deal.

10. Tracking Market Trends

Finally, even if you’re not planning to sell or develop your property anytime soon, staying informed about its value is always a smart move. This is where a property valuer becomes an invaluable resource.

The real estate market is constantly evolving, shaped by factors like local developments and market conditions. A property valuer keeps you ahead of these shifts by providing insights tailored to your property’s unique characteristics and location.

By understanding your property’s worth, you can make informed decisions about its best use, confidently navigate market changes, and be ready to seize opportunities when the timing feels right.

 

Final thoughts on staying well-informed with a property valuer’s guidance

The real estate market never stands still, and having the right expert by your side can make all the difference. Whether you’re buying, selling, or working through complex legal matters, a property valuer can give you the insights you need to make confident, informed decisions. From setting the right price to ensuring fairness in property settlements, their expertise helps you stay ahead in a market that’s always changing.

Let us help you make smart property choices.

Reach out today for expert advice. Our experienced team is here to help you discover the true value of your property and guide you toward your next big opportunity.