Residential Valuations

Residential Valuations

Herron Todd White provides independent Residential Valuations backed by local expertise and national consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during a residential valuation inspection?

A valuer visits the property and records its size, layout, condition, and features such as pools or sheds, along with the land's slope. They also note any obvious defects or repairs that could affect its value. Most inspections take 15 to 30 minutes. A valuation inspection is not a building inspection, so it won't identify hidden structural problems.

How is the final value determined?

The value is based mainly on comparable sales. Your valuer compares the property with recent sales of similar homes nearby, then adjusts for differences in land size, building quality, condition, and how the market has moved since each sale. The final figure reflects the valuer's professional judgement of what the property would sell for today.

Do renovations always increase the valuation dollar-for-dollar?

Not always, but the right renovations can add real value. The key is matching them to what buyers in your area want. A new kitchen or bathroom often improves a property's appeal and price, as long as the cost stays in line with the local market. Spending more than the market will support is known as overcapitalising.

Can I use my valuation report to apply for a home loan?

No. For a home loan, your bank orders the valuation from us directly as part of its lending process. Banks won't accept a valuation a homeowner has ordered privately. A private valuation is still useful for your own decisions, such as setting a sale price, negotiating a purchase, or planning a refinance.

How much does a residential valuation cost, and how long does it take?

The fee depends on the property's location, size, and the purpose of the valuation. Most reports are delivered within a business day of the inspection. Request a quote with the property address and what you need the valuation for, and we'll confirm the fee and timing.

How is a valuation different from an online estimate or an agent's appraisal?

An online estimate is generated by an algorithm from historical sales data and can change whenever that algorithm updates. An agent's appraisal is an opinion on the likely selling price, usually given to win a listing. A valuation is an independent, signed report by a qualified valuer, based on an inspection and verified comparable sales at a specific date.

What can I use a private residential valuation for?

Common uses include setting a sale price, negotiating a purchase, family law property settlements, capital gains tax, SMSF reporting, and stamp duty. Tell us the purpose when you request a quote, because the report needs to be prepared for that specific use.