Short answer
A residential valuation inspection allows the valuer to observe the property, confirm its main physical characteristics and consider features that may affect market value.
The inspection may include the land, dwelling, accommodation, layout, condition, car accommodation, ancillary improvements, access, aspect and visible defects or limitations.
The inspection is one part of the valuation process. The valuer still needs to consider the instructions, valuation date, purpose, market evidence, assumptions and limitations.
Why this matters
An inspection helps the valuer understand the property being valued rather than relying only on online records, photographs, floor plans or third-party descriptions.
A property may differ from its online listing or previous sale material. Renovations, defects, deferred maintenance, additions, layout changes and site influences can affect market value.
The report should state the inspection basis so the reader understands what was and was not observed.
What the valuer usually considers
Depending on the property, the valuer may consider:
- Land area and site characteristics
- Street position and surrounding development
- Building type, age and construction
- Accommodation and layout
- Living areas, bedrooms, bathrooms and car accommodation
- Kitchen, bathroom and service areas
- Condition and apparent maintenance
- Renovations, additions or incomplete works
- Ancillary improvements such as decks, pergolas, sheds, pools or garages
- Visible defects or matters requiring assumptions
- External influences affecting market appeal
The valuer may take photographs, make notes and check whether records are broadly consistent with the property observed.
Photos, personal items and access
Photographs are usually taken as part of the valuation inspection record.
The valuer will usually avoid personal items where possible, but still needs to inspect each relevant room and area.
If photographs are not permitted or access is limited, the report may need to state the limitation and assumptions adopted.
What the inspection is not
A valuation inspection is not a building inspection, pest inspection, engineering report, planning advice or building compliance audit.
The valuer is usually carrying out a visual, non-invasive inspection for valuation purposes.
Specialist issues may require advice from the appropriate expert.
How to prepare
Useful preparation may include:
- Confirming access arrangements
- Providing contact details for the owner, tenant or agent
- Making rooms and external areas accessible where possible
- Providing plans, leases or relevant documents
- Advising of known defects or incomplete works
- Keeping dogs or other animals secured or away from the inspection area
- Allowing enough time for the valuer to inspect, photograph and take notes
The property does not need to be styled like a sale campaign. The inspection is concerned with valuation-relevant characteristics.
Common misunderstandings
The inspection does not determine value by itself.
The final valuation also depends on market evidence and analysis.
A valuation inspection is not a building inspection.
The valuer may observe visible issues but does not test or certify building condition.
Online information is not always enough.
Records and photographs may be incomplete or outdated.
Every room may need to be inspected.
Limited access may need to be disclosed in the report.
Presentation is not everything.
Property characteristics and evidence remain central to valuation.
Related glossary
- Date of Inspection
- Internal Inspection
- External or Kerbside Inspection
- Desktop Assessment
- Scope of Work
- Assumption
- Limitation
- Ancillary Improvements
- Condition
- Valuation Report
Related articles
- Residential Property Valuations
- What is a residential property valuation?
- What sales evidence does a residential valuer use?
- How does property condition affect value?
- How do renovations affect residential value?
- Can a residential valuation be desktop only?
- What happens during a property inspection?
Related services
Prepared by:
Tigran Amiyants, Certified Practising Valuer (CPV), Managing Director, Northbourne Valuers.
Last reviewed:
July 2026.
General information note:
This page provides general information only and does not constitute valuation, legal, taxation or financial advice. Every valuation depends on the specific property, purpose, valuation date, evidence, assumptions and instructions.