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Wollongong property valuation questions

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Acceptance & compliance

What is a property valuation?+

A valuer's formal, signed opinion of what a property was worth on a nominated day, with the comparable sales and the reasoning set out beneath it. The date carries as much weight as the number, which is why a valuation done for one purpose in one year does not automatically answer a question about another.

What is the difference between a property valuation and an agent appraisal?+

An appraisal is a free selling estimate, generally offered while an agent is competing for the listing, and nobody signs it. A valuation is independent of any sale, made as at a stated date, evidenced by settled sales and signed by the valuer who prepared it.

Who is qualified to prepare a property valuation?+

In New South Wales, a valuer with the professional qualification and standing to have their opinion relied on. Their name and credentials appear on the report, which is precisely what lets a third party act on it.

Timing & process

Will the ATO and an SMSF auditor accept the report?+

Yes. A valuer independent of your fund prepares and signs it, SISR 8.02B is the standard it is written to, and the comparable sales are attached rather than summarised, so an auditor can follow the figure back to its evidence.

Who signs the report?+

The valuer who reached the opinion, named with their qualification. Not the model that gathered the evidence, and not anyone signing in their place. (from $550).

Is an Automated Market Assessment enough for tax purposes?+

No. It is unsigned, so there is no independent opinion behind it and nothing for a reviewer to rely on. It is for deciding. On timing, signed desktop reports usually go the same day and an Automated Market Assessment arrives next business day.

How long is a property valuation valid for?+

It holds as at its effective date rather than open-endedly. Where the organisation receiving it sets a currency period, that period is what governs, and your adviser can tell you which applies. Ordering close to when the figure is needed is usually simpler than ordering early.

Pricing & orders

Are the prices really fixed?+

Yes. $169 for signed desktop reports, $79 for Automated Market Assessments. Inspection valuations start at $550, with the exact price confirmed at checkout before you pay, never after.

Why is the valuation different from the price a property is advertised at?+

An advertised price is a marketing position, frequently a range set to attract interest. A valuation reports settled evidence. Wollongong makes the gap wider than most, because a campaign can point at sales from a stretch of the coast that has little in common with the property being sold.

Can I move up to a signed report later?+

Yes, at any point. We credit the $79 against the signed report whenever you upgrade.

Is market value the same as the value on my council rates notice?+

No. A rates notice usually shows a land value, meaning the land by itself with nothing built on it, struck for rating at a date the council chose. A valuation assesses the whole property on the date you need it, so the two figures answer different questions and rarely match.

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