A desktop assessment is prepared from sales evidence, property records and imagery without anyone visiting the property; an inspected valuation adds a site visit. A desktop report gives an indicative value only; the Australian Property Institute does not treat it as a full valuation report and recommends an inspected report where the tax system relies on the value. Inspected reports also suit complex or high-value property and anything likely to be tested.
| Desktop Property Assessment | Residential Property Valuation | |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | $99 + GST ($108.90 incl. GST) | $339 + GST ($372.90 incl. GST) |
| Inspection | No | Yes |
| Past dates | Yes, same price | Yes, same price |
| Suits | An indicative value of a standard home: early CGT, SMSF or estate figures, buying or selling | Buying, selling and the market value of a standard home |
| Not for | Stamp duty, related-party transfers, lending, family law or court | Lending, family law or court |
| Signed by | A property valuer named to you in writing | A property valuer named to you in writing |
When is a desktop assessment not enough?
When the property is unusual or high-value, when its condition matters a lot to the value, or when the value may be challenged (stamp duty, related-party transfers, family law and court). Those need an inspected or quoted report.
How reliable is a desktop value?
A desktop report gives an indicative value. For standard homes with plenty of comparable sales nearby it can be a useful guide, but it isn't a full valuation report and it relies on the information available about the property, so the report sets out its assumptions. If the property has changed a lot (renovations, damage), say so when ordering.
Questions
What is a desktop property valuation?
An indicative value prepared from sales evidence, property records and imagery without a site inspection. It is not a full valuation report. At APAVAL it is reviewed by a property valuer and costs $99 + GST ($108.90 incl. GST).
Can a desktop assessment be used for stamp duty?
Not at APAVAL. Stamp duty and related-party transfer valuations are quoted individually and need a fuller report.
This guide is general information, not tax, financial or legal advice. We value property; your accountant, auditor or lawyer decides how a value is used and what evidence they accept. The ATO does not approve or accredit valuers or valuations for CGT purposes.