Do’s and Don’ts of Property Valuations in Brisbane

When it comes to property, knowledge is power—and understanding the value of your Brisbane property is essential whether you’re buying, selling, refinancing, or simply planning ahead. A professional property valuation gives you a clear, unbiased estimate of your property’s worth, but getting the best outcome involves more than just booking an appointment.

At Asset Valuations Group, we’ve worked with thousands of Brisbane homeowners, investors, and businesses. We’ve seen the good, the bad, and the costly mistakes people make when it comes to valuations.

Here’s our expert guide to the Do’s and Don’ts of property valuations in Brisbane, designed to help you get the most accurate and fair result possible—backed by local knowledge and in line with Australian property legislation.

✅ DO: Choose a Certified and Independent Valuer

In Australia, property valuers must be qualified and registered with the Australian Property Institute (API) and comply with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) or International Valuation Standards (IVS).

💡 Tip: In Queensland, all practising valuers must also be registered under the Valuers Registration Act 1992 (QLD).

Choosing a certified, independent valuer ensures the result is objective, free from vested interests (like those that can occur in real estate agent appraisals), and legally defensible—particularly important in family law matters, deceased estates, and tax-related purposes.

At Asset Valuations Group, all our valuers are fully certified, with deep knowledge of the Brisbane property landscape.

✅ DO: Understand Why You Need the Valuation

Different purposes call for different approaches:

• Pre-sale or pre-purchase valuation

• Capital gains tax (CGT) assessments

• Stamp duty calculations

• Family law matters (property settlements)

• Deceased estate valuations

• Rental assessments

• Mortgage security or refinancing

Clarifying the purpose upfront helps your valuer use the appropriate methodology, whether it’s comparable sales, income-based, or cost-based valuation—all methods legally recognised in Australia.

✅ DO: Prepare Your Property

Just like a property inspection, first impressions count. While valuers are trained to look past surface-level appearances, a well-presented property helps showcase its potential and condition.

Simple prep tips:

• Clean and declutter living spaces

• Ensure all fixtures and fittings are functional

• Complete any minor repairs

• Provide access to all areas, including the garage and yard

Don’t forget to list out recent renovations or improvements, as these can directly influence your property’s market value.

❌ DON’T: Confuse a Valuation with an Appraisal

It’s a common misconception in Brisbane (and Australia-wide) that real estate appraisals and formal valuations are interchangeable. They’re not.

• A valuation is a legal document carried out by a registered valuer. It’s backed by evidence and used in formal scenarios like court cases, taxation, and finance.

• An appraisal is an informal estimate often provided by a real estate agent to suggest a possible sale price.

While both are useful, they serve different purposes. For anything with legal, financial, or compliance implications, always opt for a professional valuation.

❌ DON’T: Overstate or Hide Key Details

Transparency is key. Attempting to influence the valuation by:

• Overstating your property’s features

• Hiding known structural issues

• Providing misleading sales comparables

…can lead to inaccurate outcomes, potential legal risks, and damage to your credibility, particularly in cases involving banks, courts, or the ATO.

Our advice? Be upfront. Let your valuer assess the property objectively—your honesty helps build a stronger, fairer report.

✅ DO: Understand What Affects Brisbane Property Values

Brisbane’s real estate market is unique, with pricing influenced by factors such as:

• Suburb reputation and school zones

• Proximity to public transport and infrastructure

• Flood zones and zoning regulations (check with Brisbane City Council)

• Recent sales in the local area

• Property condition and land size

Being aware of these helps you understand how your valuer reaches their conclusions—and gives you insight into how to potentially improve your property’s value in the future.

❌ DON’T: Expect Instant Results

A formal valuation involves detailed research, inspection, and report preparation. While some basic assessments may be completed quickly, most Brisbane property valuations take 2–3 business days from inspection to delivery, depending on complexity.

📘 Fun Fact: In Queensland, property valuation reports for legal proceedings (e.g. family law court) must follow strict compliance formats, which can extend turnaround times.

Be patient, and plan ahead if you need your valuation by a specific deadline.

✅ DO: Ask Questions

A professional valuer should be open to answering your questions, whether it’s about:

• The chosen valuation method

• Recent comparable sales

• Why certain features added or subtracted value

• How zoning or land use restrictions may affect your property

At Asset Valuations Group, we encourage open dialogue with clients—we believe understanding the “why” behind the value is just as important as the number itself.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a homeowner, investor, or managing a legal matter, understanding the do’s and don’ts of property valuations can save you time, money, and stress.

The Brisbane property market continues to grow and shift, and a professional, transparent valuation gives you the solid foundation you need to make informed decisions.

At Asset Valuations Group, we’re proud to be one of Brisbane’s most trusted names in property and asset valuation. We offer fully certified, compliant valuation services tailored to your unique needs—whether residential, commercial, or specialised properties.