FAQ - Stamp Duty & CGT Valuation Questions Answered

Stamp Duty Valuation

Understanding Stamp Duty and when you need a professional valuation

Stamp Duty (also known as transfer duty) is a tax levied by state governments when you purchase property. In NSW, the amount is calculated based on either the purchase price or the market value of the property - whichever is higher. This tax must be paid when transferring property ownership.

A professional Stamp Duty valuation is needed in several situations:

Off-market transactions: When buying property privately without a contract price
Family transfers: Transferring property between family members at below market value
Gifted property: When property is gifted and no money changes hands
Inherited property: Establishing market value for estate settlements
Disputed valuations: When challenging Revenue NSW's assessment

An independent, ATO-compliant valuation provides the evidence needed to support your Stamp Duty calculation.

Stamp Duty in NSW is calculated using a sliding scale based on the property's value. The rate increases as the property value goes up. Revenue NSW uses either the contract purchase price or the market value (if higher) to determine the taxable amount. This is why an accurate, professional valuation is crucial - it ensures you're not overpaying Stamp Duty based on an inflated assessment.

To provide an accurate Stamp Duty valuation, we'll need:

Full property address
Property type (house, apartment, commercial, etc.)
Date the valuation is required for
Property title details
Any recent contracts or sale information
Access to the property for inspection (in most cases)

We'll handle the rest, including comprehensive market research and comparable sales analysis.

Most Stamp Duty valuations are completed within 24-48 hours from the property inspection. We understand that Stamp Duty deadlines can be time-sensitive, so we prioritize fast turnaround without compromising accuracy. Rush services are available if you have urgent requirements.

Capital Gains Tax Valuation

Understanding CGT and when you need a valuation for tax purposes

Capital Gains Tax is a tax on the profit you make when you sell an asset (such as property) for more than you paid for it. The capital gain is calculated as the difference between the purchase price (cost base) and the sale price. This gain is added to your taxable income for the year and taxed at your marginal tax rate.

You need a professional CGT valuation in these common situations:

Converting to investment property: When your home becomes a rental property
Converting to principal residence: When an investment property becomes your main home
Inherited property: Establishing the market value at the date of death
Divorce settlements: Determining asset values for property division
Partnership changes: When business property ownership changes
Pre-CGT properties: Establishing value as at September 19, 1985

An ATO-compliant valuation establishes your cost base or market value at the relevant date.

An accurate CGT valuation can significantly reduce your tax liability. When converting a property to an investment or calculating your capital gain, the market value at that specific date becomes your cost base. A professional, defensible valuation ensures you're not overpaying tax based on an undervalued cost base. It also provides the evidence you need if the ATO questions your figures.

The valuation date depends on your specific situation:

Property conversion: The date you first rented it out or moved in
Inheritance: The date of the deceased's passing
Divorce: The date agreed upon in settlement (often separation date)
Pre-CGT properties: September 19, 1985

We can provide retrospective valuations for historical dates, backed by comprehensive market data from that period.

Yes. All our valuations are prepared in accordance with ATO requirements and industry standards. Ryan is a qualified valuer (MRICS AAPI) with extensive experience in tax-related valuations. Each report includes comprehensive market analysis, comparable sales evidence, and detailed methodology - everything required to satisfy ATO scrutiny. Our reports are defensible and have been successfully used in numerous tax matters.

General Questions

Common questions about our valuation services

Valuation fees vary depending on the property type, location, and complexity of the assignment. We provide transparent, upfront quotes with no hidden fees. Contact us with your property details for a free, no-obligation quote. Most residential valuations in Sydney range from $550-$900, while commercial properties vary based on size and complexity.

Yes, in most cases we conduct a physical inspection of the property. This allows us to assess the property's condition, features, and any improvements or defects that may affect value. Internal and external inspections are typically required for stamp duty and CGT valuations. The inspection usually takes 30-45 minutes and can be scheduled at your convenience.

We service all of Sydney and surrounding areas, including the CBD, Eastern Suburbs, North Shore, Inner West, Western Sydney, Hills District, and Greater Sydney region. We have extensive local knowledge across all Sydney markets, ensuring accurate valuations regardless of location.

Each comprehensive valuation report includes:

Detailed property description and analysis
Market value assessment as at the specified date
Comparable sales evidence and analysis
Market conditions and trends
Property photos and location maps
Methodology and assumptions
Valuer's qualifications and declaration
Full compliance with ATO requirements

Yes, we specialize in retrospective (historical) valuations for any past date. This is particularly common for CGT purposes when you need to establish a property's value at a specific date in the past. We use comprehensive historical sales data, market trends, and professional expertise to provide accurate valuations for historical dates. These are fully ATO-compliant and defensible.

Our standard turnaround is 24-48 hours from the property inspection. We understand that many valuation requests are time-sensitive, so we prioritize fast delivery without compromising quality. Rush services are available for urgent requirements - just let us know your deadline when you make your enquiry.

Your Property Valuation Questions Answered

Stamp Duty Valuation

Capital Gains Tax Valuation

General Questions

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