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Footsteps Property Valuers

Professional Residential Property Valuations in Melbourne & Victoria

Welcome to Footsteps Property Valuers

your trusted property valuation experts in Melbourne

We specialise in providing accurate and up-to-date valuations on residential properties across Victoria to help homeowners, buyers, sellers, investors, and lenders make informed decisions about real estate.

Our team of highly experienced certified property valuers has an in-depth understanding of the local Melbourne property market. We stay on top of the latest market trends, sales data, and factors that impact property values in different suburbs across Melbourne and regional Victoria. This enables us to provide well-researched and reliable valuation reports.

Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, finance, or insure your home, an independent property valuation from Footsteps Property Valuers gives you an authoritative estimate of your property’s current market value. We are committed to delivering prompt and transparent valuations that you can trust.

At Footsteps, we combine state-of-the-art valuation technology with personalised service from our personable team. We offer comprehensive reports tailored to your specific needs and provide practical recommendations to help you make the most out of your property assets.

Contact us for an obligation-free quote or valuation inspection. We service all suburbs across greater Melbourne and regional Victoria.

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Property News

Expert evaluating Australian home for mortgage process

Securing Your Mortgage: The Importance of House Valuations in Lender Assessments

Mortgage security is a critical step in the journey of home ownership. Central to this process is the concept of house valuation, an assessment that plays a pivotal role in determining how much a lender is willing to finance. This article explores the significance of house valuations in the mortgage process, shedding light on how lenders use these valuations to assess security and determine borrowing limits.

Understanding House Valuations

A house valuation is an expert’s estimation of a property’s market value at a specific point in time. Conducted by a professional valuer or a qualified surveyor, this assessment considers various factors, including the property’s condition, location, and comparative market data.

Why Valuations Are Critical for Lenders

Lenders rely on house valuations to ensure the loan amount is justified by the property’s value, safeguarding against potential losses should the borrower default. This assessment forms the cornerstone of the lender’s risk management strategy.

The Impact of Valuations on Borrowing Limits

House valuations directly influence the amount lenders are willing to offer. A valuation that matches or exceeds the purchase price can lead to favourable loan terms, whereas a valuation lower than expected might require the borrower to provide additional security or revise their borrowing expectations.

Factors Affecting House Valuations

Several factors can influence the outcome of a house valuation, including:

  • Market Conditions: Fluctuations in the housing market can impact valuations significantly.
  • Property Condition: The state of repair and any recent renovations can adjust a property’s value.
  • Location: Proximity to amenities, schools, and transport links are key considerations.

House Valuations and Mortgage Brokers

Mortgage brokers often play a crucial role in navigating the valuation process. They can provide insight into how different lenders assess property value and offer strategies to manage situations where the valuation might affect loan approval.

  • Choosing the right lender with a more favourable valuation policy for your property type.
  • Understanding the potential impact of a low valuation and exploring options.
  • Assisting with revaluation requests if the initial valuation comes in lower than expected.

Maximising Your Valuation

To ensure your property is valued favourably, consider the following steps:

  • Presentation: Ensure the property is well-presented, clean, and tidy during the valuation.
  • Documentation: Provide the valuer with a list of improvements and renovations to ensure these are considered.
  • Research: Be aware of recent, comparable sales in your area to understand how your property might be valued.

Understanding the Process

A clear understanding of the house valuation process is vital for anyone looking to secure a mortgage. By comprehending how lenders use these valuations, borrowers can better prepare themselves and potentially influence the outcome in their favour.

House valuations are a key element in the mortgage lending process, serving as a benchmark for lenders to determine borrowing limits and assess the security of the loan. For borrowers, being informed and proactive about valuations can lead to more favourable mortgage outcomes. Mortgage brokers can offer valuable assistance, guiding borrowers through the nuances of home loan valuations and ensuring the best possible terms are achieved.

Detailed guide on reading and understanding property valuation reports for Australian homeowners, highlighting key sections and financial insights

How to Read a Property Valuation Report: A Guide for Homeowners

Demystifying the Property Valuation Report

A property valuation report is a comprehensive assessment that provides homeowners with critical insights into their property’s worth. Understanding how to read this report is essential for making informed decisions about selling, refinancing, or managing your property investment.

Key Components of a Valuation Report

1. Property Details

This section includes basic information such as address, legal description, and property type. It’s crucial to ensure these details are accurate.

2. Valuation Methodology

Understand the approach used by the valuer, whether it’s a comparative market analysis, income approach, or cost method.

3. Market Analysis

This part provides an overview of the local property market, including recent sales data and trends that influence your property’s value.

4. Property Description and Condition

Detailed information about the property’s physical characteristics, age, condition, and improvements is outlined here.

Understanding the Financial Aspects

Valuation Figure

The most critical part of the report, it states the estimated market value of your property.

Comparative Market Analysis

This section compares your property to similar properties in the area, giving context to the valuation.

Supplementary Information

  • Photographs: Visual evidence of the property’s condition and features.
  • Limitations and Assumptions: Notes any assumptions or limitations that affect the valuation.
  • Certifications: Ensures the report is prepared by a qualified and licensed valuer.

Analysing the Report for Decision Making

Reviewing for Accuracy

Double-check all details for accuracy to ensure the valuation is based on correct and current information.

Market Value vs. Price

Understand that the property valuation provides an estimate of market value, not necessarily the price it will sell for.

Using the Valuation Report

Use this report as a tool for making informed decisions on property sale, purchase, or investment strategies.

Navigating Complex Valuation Scenarios

Special Considerations

Properties with unique features or in areas with limited market data may require a more nuanced analysis.

Seeking Professional Advice

If there are complexities or uncertainties, seeking advice from real estate professionals or a second opinion from another valuer might be beneficial.

By comprehensively understanding each section of a property valuation report, homeowners can make well-informed decisions about their property investments. This guide aims to demystify the process and provide clarity to homeowners navigating the world of property valuation.

Accurate property valuation during crucial life events

When You Need an Accurate House Valuation

The Necessity of Accurate Property Valuation

Accurate property valuation is pivotal in various life situations—be it selling a property, going through a divorce, or inheriting a home. In each scenario, having a precise understanding of the property’s worth can significantly impact your financial and legal standing.

Selling Your Home: Why Accurate Valuations Matter

When you’re planning to sell, an accurate property valuation provides a solid foundation for setting a realistic asking price. Undervaluing could mean missing out on potential profits, while overvaluing might deter prospective buyers.

Formal house valuation for selling, divorce, and inheritance in Australia

Formal House Valuation During Divorce

Divorce is another circumstance where a formal house valuation becomes indispensable. The property is often the most significant asset to be divided, and both parties need to know its fair market value to negotiate a just settlement.

The Process of Obtaining a Formal Valuation in Divorce

  1. Consult a Certified Valuer: They bring professional expertise to ensure an unbiased valuation.
  2. Submit Necessary Documents: Provide ownership papers and any other related documents.
  3. Await the Valuation Report: This report serves as a legally acceptable basis for asset division.

Accurate Property Valuation for Inherited Homes

Inheriting a property comes with its own set of financial responsibilities, primarily if you need to apply for a Grant of Probate and plan to sell the home. The asset’s value at the time of inheritance sets the baseline for future tax calculations, such as capital gains tax.

Alternatives to Formal Valuation

Although formal valuation is the gold standard, there are alternatives:

  • Online Valuation Tools: Quick and often free, but less accurate.
  • Real Estate Agent Estimates: More informed but potentially biased.
  • Local Sales Data: Research on recent sales of similar properties in the area can provide a rough estimate.

Importance of accurate property valuation in Australia

When Should You Opt for a Formal Valuation?

Certain situations call for an in-depth, accurate assessment of property value, where alternatives won’t suffice.

Scenarios Necessitating Formal Valuation

  • High-Stakes Transactions: Like selling high-value properties or business premises.
  • Legal Proceedings: Such as divorce or inheritance where a court may require formal valuation.
  • Tax Implications: To accurately calculate potential capital gains or inheritance tax.

By recognising when a formal house valuation is necessary, you can make informed decisions that safeguard your financial and legal interests.

Property valuer assessing an Australian home

Property Valuation and Taxes in Australia

Australia’s real estate landscape is dynamic, with property values constantly evolving. Among the various implications of property valuations, the influence on taxation stands out as particularly significant for property owners. To understand the interplay between property valuation and taxes, it’s crucial to delve into the role property valuers play and how the Australian taxation system interprets these valuations.

Understanding Property Valuation

Property valuation refers to the process of determining the actual value of a real estate property. In Australia, this process is typically carried out by professional property valuers. They use various methodologies and take into account multiple factors such as location, current market trends, the state of the property, and potential future developments in the vicinity.

Role of Property Valuers

Property valuers are experts trained to provide an unbiased opinion on the worth of a property. Their services are essential for various purposes, including:

  • Securing a mortgage
  • Setting sales prices for properties
  • Resolving disputes related to property prices
  • Calculating taxes

Their expertise ensures that stakeholders have a clear understanding of the value of a property, which directly impacts its associated taxes.

How Property Valuation Influences Taxes

The tax implications of property valuations in Australia are multi-faceted. Here are some of the primary ways in which they interact:

Land Tax

In Australia, land tax is levied on the owners of property, depending on the property’s value. The amount of land tax an owner pays is calculated based on the valuation provided by property valuers. Thus, a higher valuation can lead to a higher land tax, while a lower valuation might reduce the tax burden.

Capital Gains Tax (CGT)

When property owners in Australia sell their properties, they might be subject to Capital Gains Tax if the property has appreciated in value since the time of purchase. Property valuers play an integral role in determining the appreciation (or depreciation) in value, which directly affects the amount of CGT one has to pay.

Stamp Duty

Stamp duty is a tax applied during the transfer of property. The amount of stamp duty payable is influenced by the property’s value, which again underscores the importance of accurate valuations by professional property valuers.

In Australia, the relationship between property valuation and taxes is intricate and deeply intertwined. The expertise of property valuers ensures a fair assessment of real estate, which in turn forms the basis for various tax calculations. As the real estate market continues to evolve, the interplay between valuation and taxation will remain a vital consideration for all property stakeholders in Australia.