Questions to ask before commissioning a valuation

A valuation that misses the mark can cost you thousands—either by underpricing what you're selling, overpaying for what you're buying, or handing a lender a number they can't justify. The right valuer asks the right questions during their inspection and gives you answers that make sense. Knowing what to ask *them* before you commission the work is how you stay in control of the process.

What's your scope, and can you spell it out in writing?

A good valuer will immediately ask *you* what you need the valuation for. Different purposes—a sale, a purchase, insurance, a bond application, a dispute—can affect which method they use and how detailed the report becomes. Don't accept vagueness.

Ask them: "What exactly will you do on the property, and what will your report cover?" A strong answer names the approach (market comparison, income-based, or cost-based valuation), describes what they'll measure and photograph, and confirms they'll compare the property to recent sales of similar homes in the area. They'll explain whether they're inspecting the interior, exterior, or both, and how they handle properties that are hard to value (new, unique, rural).

Watch for evasiveness. If they say "I'll just look at comparable properties" without specifying how many, how recent, or from where, push back. A thorough valuer will tell you they've studied at least three to five comparable sales within the past six months, ideally in the same suburb or neighbouring areas with similar market conditions. They should also mention any limitations—if they can't access the property interior, or if comparable data is thin on the ground, they'll tell you upfront.

Who are your comparables, and will you explain your reasoning?

This is where valuation turns from guesswork into evidence. The comparables (comparable properties they've used to calculate value) are the backbone of a market valuation. A valuer who can't—or won't—defend their choice of comparables is a red flag.

Ask: "Which properties have you used as comparables, and why those ones?" Listen for specificity. They should name streets, suburbs, recent sale prices, and roughly when those sales happened. They should also explain adjustments—if a comparable sold three months ago but the market's moved, or if it's two bedrooms while yours is three, how do they factor that in? Do they have access to current MLS data, transfer duty records, or agent reports?

A cautious valuer will also tell you if the area is tricky to value. Power outage frequency, service delivery issues, municipal boundaries, or rapid gentrification can all affect comparable values. They might say: "Your suburb's been shifting quickly, so I'm being conservative" or "I'm using sales from the past six months only, because older data doesn't reflect the current climate."

If they give you a number without showing this working, or if they rely on just one or two old sales, that's a sign they're cutting corners.

How will you handle what makes this property different?

No two properties are identical. A good valuer notices what sets yours apart—and adjusts the value accordingly—rather than forcing it into a template.

Ask them:

• Will you physically inspect the property, or just the exterior?
• How do you value improvements that are recent, unusual, or non-standard (a granny flat, solar installation, upgraded roof)?
• If the property is vacant, damaged, or in poor condition, will you value it as-is or make projections?
• What happens if the property is in a small town, a gated estate, or somewhere with few recent sales?

A professional will tell you exactly what they'll inspect and photograph. They won't promise to make your recent renovations count for their full cost if comparable properties don't support that premium. And if the area has genuine scarcity of comparable data, they'll be upfront: "I may need to use sales from a slightly wider area, and I'll note that caveat in the report."

An evasive valuer might say "Don't worry, I'll factor it all in" without explaining how. That's not reassuring; that's a gap in their thinking.

Timing, credentials and next steps

Before you book, confirm their turnaround time—most professional valuers deliver a report within five to ten working days—and check that they hold appropriate registration. Ask how you'll receive the report (digital, printed, or both) and whether they'll be available to discuss findings afterward.

Finding a valuer who answers these questions clearly and with evidence takes the uncertainty out of commissioning work. On Strove, you can read reviews from previous clients and send multiple valuers a brief about your property to see who engages thoughtfully with your specific situation.