Valuation Standards & Professional Frameworks

Technical Reference

36200  —  Valuation Standards & Professional Frameworks

Components: 3 · Property Valuation (Technical) (36000)
1

Overview

Node 36200 addresses the professional and regulatory frameworks that govern the practice of property valuation in Australia, comprising the international and domestic valuation standards that define acceptable methodology, the registration and licensing regimes that govern who may practise as a valuer, and the documentation standards that apply to valuation reports.

These frameworks operate alongside, rather than in place of, the specific valuation methods addressed elsewhere in the 36000 series. A valuer applying the income capitalisation, discounted cash flow, sales comparison, cost, or hypothetical development method does so within the professional standards and registration regime addressed by this node, which govern matters such as valuer independence, conflict of interest, and the content and disclosure required of a valuation report.

This node serves as the introduction to the sub-series addressed in nodes 36210, 36220, and 36230, and is intended for valuers, financiers, and other users of valuation reports seeking to understand the professional context within which Australian property valuations are prepared.

2

Scope & Boundaries

This node addresses the professional standards, registration regimes, and reporting frameworks applicable to Australian property valuation at a general level. It does not address the detailed content of the API/IVSC standards, addressed in node 36210, the state-based valuer registration and licensing regimes, addressed in node 36220, or the specific content requirements of a valuation report, addressed in node 36230.

It does not address the individual valuation methods to which these standards and frameworks apply, addressed elsewhere in the 36100 sub-series.

Scope Note

This node describes the general structure of the professional and regulatory frameworks governing Australian property valuation as at the time of writing. Registration and licensing requirements are administered separately by each state and territory and should be confirmed against the applicable jurisdiction before a valuer’s registration status is relied upon.

3

Key Concepts

Professional Practice Standards
The body of methodological and ethical standards issued by the Australian Property Institute and the International Valuation Standards Council, governing the conduct of a valuation assignment from instruction through to reporting.
Valuer Registration
The statutory process, administered separately in each state and territory, by which an individual is authorised to practise as a registered valuer and to provide valuations for prescribed statutory purposes such as mortgage security.
Independence and Conflict of Interest
A core professional obligation requiring a valuer to disclose, and where necessary decline, any interest or relationship that could reasonably be perceived to compromise the objectivity of a valuation opinion.
Valuation Report
The formal written document by which a valuer communicates a valuation opinion, the basis and assumptions on which it is formed, and the methodology applied, in a form meeting applicable professional and, where relevant, statutory requirements.
4

Regulatory & Legal Framework

  • API/IVSC Professional Practice Standards
    Australian Property Institute & International Valuation Standards Council
    Establish the core methodological and ethical standards applicable to Australian valuation practice.
  • State-based valuer registration legislation
    State valuer registration boards
    (for example the Valuers Registration and Qualifications for Public Purposes Act 2003 (Qld) and equivalent legislation in other states and territories) governs the registration and licensing of valuers for prescribed statutory purposes.
  • Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001 (Cth)
    Australian Securities and Investments Commission
    Governs the conduct of valuers providing valuations relied upon in a financial services context, including managed investment schemes.
5

Practical Application

Valuation standards and professional frameworks apply consistently regardless of the property type or method a valuer ultimately selects.

ScenarioApplicationOutcome
A bank requires a valuation to support a mortgage security assessmentThe bank instructs a registered valuer to provide a report in accordance with API/IVSC professional practice standardsThe report is accepted as meeting the bank’s lending policy requirements
A valuer identifies a prior professional relationship with the vendor of a property under instructionThe valuer discloses the relationship and assesses whether it compromises independenceThe valuer either proceeds with disclosure or declines the instruction, consistent with professional obligations
A superannuation trustee requires a valuation of a fund’s direct property holdingThe trustee instructs a valuer registered in the relevant state to prepare a report meeting the applicable reporting standardThe report supports the trustee’s compliance with its valuation obligations

Findings are presented on the basis of data and evidence alone.