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Townsville property valuation questions

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Acceptance & compliance

What is a property valuation?+

It is a valuer's formal opinion of what a property was worth on one nominated day, written out with the comparable sales that support it and signed. Two properties can look identical and be worth different amounts, which is why the reasoning matters as much as the figure.

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

An appraisal is free, unsigned, and generally offered while an agent is trying to win a listing. A valuation is made independently of any sale, tied to a stated date, evidenced by settled sales, and signed by the person who prepared it. Only one of them survives being relied on.

Who is qualified to prepare a property valuation?+

In Queensland, a valuer registered under the Valuers Registration Act. Their name and registration number appear on the report, which is what allows a third party to rely on it.

Timing & process

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

Yes. It is prepared by a valuer independent of your fund, written with SISR 8.02B in mind, and the comparable sales are attached in full rather than described. An auditor can trace the figure back to the evidence.

Whose name is on the report?+

The valuer who formed the opinion, with their qualification and registration. The model gathers evidence and signs nothing, and nobody signs on the valuer's behalf. (from $550).

Is an Automated Market Assessment enough for tax purposes?+

No. Unsigned means no independent opinion and nothing a reviewer can lean on. It is a decision tool. On speed, signed desktop reports mostly go out the same day and an Automated Market Assessment lands the next business day.

How long is a property valuation valid for?+

It speaks as at its effective date and not indefinitely. The further from that date you travel, the less it describes today. Where the body receiving it applies its own currency window, that window governs, and your accountant or conveyancer will know which one.

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, often a range chosen to draw enquiry. A valuation reports what genuinely comparable property has settled at. In a market with as much detached stock as Townsville the evidence is usually plentiful, so a large gap is worth asking about.

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 generally carries a land value, being the land alone with nothing standing on it, assessed for rating at a date the council set. A valuation covers the whole property at the date you need. Different questions, so different answers.

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