Before making an offer or bidding at auction, any buyer should have some sort of property valuation to hand. Often a full registered valuation will be required by the lender (at the buyer’s expense) as a condition of the home loan, although increasingly the big banks are satisfied referring to automated valuations provided by QV.co.nz

Even if your lender doesn’t require a registered valuation, you may still want to commission one from a professional valuer to ensure you get expert advice and don’t pay well above the market value for a home. When a house is for sale by negotiation, or with a specified asking price, a buyer can make an offer subject to a valuation condition as part of the due diligence process, and will only have to pay the cost of the property valuation report (usually $400 - $800 depending on the size of the house) once both parties have agreed an acceptable sale price. However, as with pre-purchase building inspections, things can start getting expensive in a hurry if you keep missing out at auctions and undertake a full registered valuation every time.

Use the links above to check out registered valuers in your area to find one that suits your requirements before asking them for a quote for a property valuation.