More than a number.

Capital gains tax uses market value in more situations than most people expect: when a home is first rented out (in some circumstances), when property is inherited, when property is transferred to a related party or gifted, and when an asset was acquired before 20 September 1985. The valuation date matters as much as the figure, and many of those dates are in the past.

From 1 July 2027 the 50 per cent CGT discount for individuals, trusts and partnerships is replaced by cost base indexation and a minimum tax on capital gains, with the discount kept for the part of a gain that accrued before that date. That makes the value of property held across 30 June 2027 relevant to many owners. Ask your accountant whether a valuation at that date suits your circumstances.

After a separation, the value of the home and any investment property usually shapes the whole settlement. A valuation for family law needs to be independent, prepared for that purpose and capable of being relied on by both parties, their lawyers, a mediator and, if it comes to it, the court. Family law matters are heard by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, and in Western Australia by the Family Court of Western Australia.

Our Family Law & Legal Valuation includes an inspection, detailed evidence and methodology, a comprehensive report and valuer queries after delivery. Expert witness work, conferences, supplementary reports and court attendance are quoted separately. Where the property pool also includes a business or company shares, Valuation Group’s family law practice, Family Law Valuations, values those.

When property is transferred between related people or entities, or for less than its market value, duty is generally calculated on the greater of the price paid and the property’s market value. State revenue offices can obtain their own valuation and assess duty on the higher figure.

An independent valuation at the date of transfer is the clearest evidence you can give them. Exemptions and concessions differ from state to state, so check the position with your conveyancer or lawyer as well.

When property moves between family members, a family trust, a company or a super fund, the tax law, the duty law and the super law all look to market value, whatever price is written in the contract.

An independent valuation at the date of the transfer is the evidence that the price was right. It protects the person selling, the person buying and the advisers who signed off on the deal.

Businesses and investors need property evidence for acquisitions and disposals, restructures between entities, partner exits, lease negotiations and financial reporting.

The report is prepared for the decision it supports and on the basis that decision requires: market value, market rent or, for financial reporting, fair value. Every commercial job receives a fixed quote before work starts.