Professional Residential Property Valuations in Melbourne & Victoria
Welcome to Footsteps Property Valuers
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.
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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.
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 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
- Consult a Certified Valuer: They bring professional expertise to ensure an unbiased valuation.
- Submit Necessary Documents: Provide ownership papers and any other related documents.
- 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.
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 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.
What Affects Your Home Value?
Many different factors influence how much a home is worth on the real estate market. While no two homes are alike, there are some key elements that impact value across the board. Understanding these can help you optimise your property when selling or simply determine what drives estimates.
Location, Location, Location
The old adage rings true – location is one of the most important determinants of home value. Properties in desirable areas near amenities like good schools, parks, shopping, dining and transportation often command higher prices. Rural or secluded areas may be cheaper. Values also vary by state and even different sides of the same city.
School Districts and Quality
In addition to proximity, the reputation and performance of nearby schools has a significant effect. Homes zoned for top-ranked school districts or near high-achieving individual schools are highly sought after. This is especially true for properties attracting families with school-age children.
Size, Layout and Condition
Naturally, the specifics of the home itself are key factors. Larger homes with more bedrooms/bathrooms, bigger lots and more square footage fetch higher prices. Layout and flow also matter – open floorplans are popular. Of course, well-maintained homes in good condition are valued higher than outdated or dilapidated properties.
Upgrades and Improvements
Remodelling and renovations can greatly boost a home’s worth, from kitchen overhauls to finished basements. Even minor upgrades like new carpeting or repainting make a difference. Documenting all improvements made over the years helps maximise value. Curb appeal projects like landscaping also help.
Local Housing Market Conditions
Broader economic factors in the local real estate market influence what buyers will pay. In hot markets with high demand but low inventory, prices often skyrocket. In depressed markets with many homes sitting empty, values decline. Monitoring market trends helps set realistic asking prices.
While not exhaustive, these key location, property and market factors account for much of the variation in home values. Paying attention to these elements can help homeowners position their property to achieve top dollar. Understanding influences on value also lets buyers assess the reasonableness of a listing price before making offers.