Who this is for
- Home owners deciding on a sale price or reserve
- Buyers checking a price before an auction or offer
- Owners comparing agents' appraisals
- Investors buying or selling commercial property
What you get
- An independent opinion of current market value
- Comparable sales that support the figure
- Desktop, kerbside or full inspection options
- A clear report you can use in your own decision-making
- The chance to talk the result through with the valuer
Know the value before you commit
Buying or selling property is one of the largest financial decisions most people make. Yet many buyers and sellers go in with little more than an online estimate and an agent's opinion. A pre-sale or pre-purchase valuation gives you an independent figure to work from.
For sellers
A valuation before you sell can help you:
- set a realistic asking price or auction reserve
- compare the appraisals from different agents
- decide whether now is the right time to sell
- plan your next purchase with a clearer idea of your budget
For buyers
A valuation before you buy can help you:
- set a sensible limit before an auction
- test whether an asking price is in line with the market
- negotiate with more confidence
- avoid paying well above the value of comparable properties
Appraisal or valuation
Agents' appraisals are free, but an agent is hoping to win the listing or the sale. A valuation from a Certified Practising Valuer is independent. The valuer has nothing to gain from the price and supports the figure with comparable sales. The guide Agent appraisal vs certified valuation explains the difference in more detail.
Choosing the right type
This is the one purpose where all three residential valuation types can work well.
- Desktop valuation, from $425 + GST. No inspection. Available for residential property under $1M only, with a quick turnaround. Well suited to pre-sale and pre-purchase guidance.
- Kerbside valuation, from $500 + GST. An external, contactless inspection. Suits property over $1M, or when you want the valuer to see the street and the outside of the home.
- Full inspection valuation, from $500 + GST. An inspection inside and out. The best choice where the condition, layout or recent renovations make a real difference to value.
For commercial and industrial property, a full commercial and industrial valuation is needed, from $975 + GST with a 7-day turnaround. Desktop is not offered for commercial or industrial property.
See desktop, kerbside and full inspection valuations for a side-by-side comparison, and the pricing page for current rates.
What happens after you enquire
You speak directly with Tom Nagy, the valuer, not an office. Tell him the address, whether you are buying or selling, and any deadline such as an auction date. He will recommend the valuation type that fits and confirm the fee before you book.
After the valuation, you receive a report with the market value and the sales evidence behind it. Because Tom works as a sole practitioner, you can call him with questions about the result.
Why an independent valuer
Tom Nagy started in Melbourne real estate in the 1980s and moved into valuation after completing a Bachelor of Business (Property) at RMIT. He has more than 30 years in the industry and holds current Certified Practising Valuer registration with the Australian Property Institute. That background in both selling and valuing property means he understands how agents price homes and how the market actually values them.
Call 0407 835 388 before you list or bid, or request a quote.
Common questions
How is a valuation different from an agent's appraisal?
An agent's appraisal is an estimate from someone who hopes to sell the property, so it can lean towards a figure that wins the listing. A valuation from a Certified Practising Valuer is independent. The valuer has no stake in the sale and bases the figure on comparable sales evidence. The guide on agent appraisals and certified valuations explains more.
What is a desktop valuation and when does it suit?
A desktop valuation is prepared without an inspection, using sales data and information about the property. It is available for residential property under $1M only and suits pre-sale or pre-purchase guidance where a quick turnaround matters. It starts from $425 + GST. For property over $1M, a kerbside or full inspection valuation is the option.
Can I get a valuation of a property I do not own yet?
Yes. Buyers often order a valuation before bidding at auction or making an offer. A desktop or kerbside valuation does not need access to the inside of the property. If you want an internal inspection, access usually needs to be arranged with the selling agent. Ask Tom which option suits your timing.
Will a pre-purchase valuation be accepted by my lender?
Lenders usually arrange their own valuations through their own panels, so a valuation you order is generally for your own information and negotiation. It can still be very useful for setting your limit before an auction. Check with your lender or broker about what they require for your loan.
Can you value a commercial property before I buy it?
Yes. Pre-sale and pre-purchase valuations are also available for investors and owner-occupiers of commercial and industrial property, such as shops, offices, factories and warehouses. These are long-form reports from $975 + GST with a 7-day turnaround. Desktop valuations are not offered for commercial or industrial property.
Helpful guides
Agent appraisal or certified valuation: what's the difference?
An agent's appraisal helps you plan a sale. A certified valuation is an independent opinion you can rely on for tax, super, court and other formal purposes.
Desktop, kerbside or full inspection: which valuation do you need?
The three main types of residential valuation compared: what each involves, what it costs and when each one makes sense.