The Desktop CGT Valuation gives the market value of your property at the date your accountant gives you, without anyone visiting it. It suits most standard homes, where sales evidence and your records tell the story. Here is what is in it, when it suits, when an inspection is the better choice, and how it works.
What is in the report
- Market value at your date, current or past
- The comparable sales the value rests on
- The method and assumptions, set out plainly
- Reviewed and signed by a property valuer
- PDF report by email, ready for your accountant
The report states its purpose and the valuation date. It can be relied on for that purpose and date by the client named in it and anyone we agree to in writing.
How a desktop valuation works
No one visits the property. The valuer works from sales evidence and your records:
- Your property as it was on the date. Its land, size, type and condition, from plans, photos, old listings and what you tell us about changes since.
- Comparable sales from around the date. Each one adjusted for differences in land, building, condition and location, and for market movement to your date.
- A reasoned figure. The value, the sales it rests on and the method, set out plainly so your accountant can follow it.
Most capital gains tax dates are in the past, and a property cannot be inspected as it was years ago, so the valuer relies on records either way. How property is valued for CGT explains the method in full.
When a desktop valuation suits
- a standard house, unit, townhouse or vacant lot
- a past date, where an inspection today would show the property as it is now rather than as it was
- a property likely to be worth up to $3 million, in New South Wales, Victoria, the ACT or the Northern Territory
- an accountant who is comfortable with a value built on sales evidence and records
Common reasons include a home that became a rental, inherited property and other past dates.
When an inspection is the better choice
Views differ on how far to go. The ATO’s guide says that where a valuation is straightforward, the report and records may be brief. The Australian Property Institute, a professional body for valuers, describes a desktop report as an indicative value only, not a valuation report, and recommends a comprehensive inspection valuation report where the tax system relies on the value.
An inspection adds most where the property is unusual, renovated or high value, where the building is largely unchanged since the date, or where the date is recent. In those cases, or if your accountant wants an inspection, choose the Inspected CGT Valuation at $495.
Which suits your return is your accountant’s call. If we think an inspection suits your property better, we tell you before anything is booked.
What it does not cover
- Commercial, rural and development property, and anything likely to be worth more than $3 million, is quoted before anything is booked.
- Transfers to family are quoted too. Stamp duty on these transfers is assessed separately by each state or territory revenue office, so we quote them first.
- We do not value for mortgage lending, family law or court proceedings, and we do not give tax advice.
- We value property in New South Wales, Victoria, the ACT and the Northern Territory only.
How it works
- Request online in about two minutes, with the address, the reason and the date.
- We confirm the valuer, fee and timing in writing. Nothing is booked or charged until you accept.
- Send any records you have, such as photos, plans and the dates of renovations, quoting your reference.
- You receive the signed PDF report by email.
A second valuation date in the same report is $149. Every fee is on the pricing page, and common questions are answered in the FAQ.