Start with the decision, not the report label
A desktop property valuation is prepared without a physical inspection. Its usefulness depends on the evidence available and the requirements of the person relying on it. Before choosing a remote report, establish the property, purpose, valuation date and intended recipient.
To arrange an assessment, visit Propti’s desktop property valuation service. This guide helps you decide what to ask before ordering.
Four questions to resolve first
- Who needs the report? A lender, accountant, solicitor or another recipient may specify the professional, instructions and format.
- Which date matters? The required market value may be current or historical. A past date requires relevant historical evidence.
- What does the valuer know about the property? Explain renovations, changes in use, unusual improvements and condition that may not appear in public records.
- Can the evidence support a remote assessment? Let the valuer decide whether the available information is sufficient for the assignment.
Situations to discuss with the provider
| Purpose | What to establish |
|---|---|
| Lending or refinance | Whether the lender permits a desktop approach and requires its own instructions or an approved provider. |
| Portfolio or purchase decision | The decision being supported and the uncertainty that may remain without an inspection. |
| Tax, transfer or SMSF reporting | The date, evidence and recipient requirements supplied by the relevant adviser. |
| Estate or family law matter | The formal instructions, reliance and procedural requirements, including whether an inspection is needed. |
A report suitable for one of these purposes is not automatically suitable for the others. See stamp duty valuations, CGT-purpose valuations and SMSF valuations for their distinct instructions.
When an inspection may be important
The report supplies evidence for its agreed purpose. Your adviser or intended recipient must confirm eligibility, reporting requirements and acceptance; outcomes are not guaranteed.
Compare quotes on scope
Ask who prepares the report, what date is assessed, what documents are needed and who can rely on it. Check the fee, GST treatment, expected delivery and the process if an inspection or further work becomes necessary. Use a current written quote for your property rather than an old advertised starting price.
Frequently asked questions
Is a desktop valuation an automated online estimate?
No. A professional desktop report is prepared by a valuer for an agreed assignment. An automated estimate generates an indication from available data and may not provide the scope or reasoning required by your recipient.
Can I use the same report for another lender or purpose?
Ask the report author and new recipient first. A change of purpose, reliance, date or instructions may require additional work or a new report.
What if there is not enough information?
The valuer may request more documents, an inspection or a different scope, or may be unable to complete the assignment. Identify missing records when requesting a quote.
Choose the next step
Read the valuation format comparison or send Propti the address and reporting instructions to confirm a suitable scope.
Sources and further reading
- ATO: Market valuation for tax purposes — Tax valuation evidence, purpose and documentation.
Arrange the right report
Explore desktop valuations with Propti. Send the property address, purpose, required date and recipient’s instructions when you request a property report quote.