Short answer
A related-party transfer valuation may be needed where property is transferred between parties who are not dealing with each other as independent market participants.
Examples may include transfers between family members, associated entities, related companies, trusts or parties with a personal or business relationship.
In these situations, the transfer price may not be enough to demonstrate market value, so independent valuation evidence may be requested.
Why this matters
Revenue authorities are concerned with the value of the property being transferred, not only the amount shown on the transfer document.
Where the parties are related, the agreed price may be nominal, discounted, internal, negotiated for non-market reasons, or not supported by open-market exposure.
A valuation report provides independent market value evidence for the relevant property interest and valuation date.
What makes a transaction related-party?
Related-party situations vary depending on the jurisdiction, transaction type and legal structure.
Common examples may include transfers between spouses or family members, transfers involving related companies, trustee arrangements, business associates, related trusts or other non-arm’s-length arrangements.
The valuer does not decide the legal relationship between parties. That should be confirmed by the solicitor, conveyancer, accountant or revenue authority.
What the valuer considers
The valuer considers the property, property interest, valuation date, inspection basis, comparable market evidence, assumptions and limitations.
The related-party nature of the transaction is considered because the transaction price may not be reliable evidence of market value.
The valuation should assess market value independently of the parties’ preferred transfer price or tax/duty outcome.
Documents that may help
Useful documents may include:
- Transfer documents
- Contract or agreement, if any
- Title details
- Solicitor or conveyancer instructions
- Revenue authority request for evidence, if available
- Details of the relationship between parties, where relevant to the instruction
- Plans, leases or property documents
- Inspection access information
The valuer may request additional information if the property interest or transaction basis is unclear.
Common misunderstandings
A family transfer still needs market value evidence in some cases.
A transfer between related parties may not demonstrate open-market value.
Nominal consideration does not mean nominal value.
The property may still have market value even where the transfer price is low or nil.
The valuer is not acting for the transfer price.
The valuer’s role is to assess market value independently.
The legal relationship is not decided by the valuer.
Legal and duty requirements should be confirmed by the relevant adviser or revenue authority.
A current valuation may not suit every transaction.
The valuation date should match the duty-related requirement.
Related glossary
- Related Party Transfer
- Arm’s Length Transaction
- Market Value
- Transfer Duty
- Dutiable Value
- Date of Valuation
- Unencumbered Value
- Assumption
- Limitation
- Reliance
Related articles
- Stamp Duty Property Valuations
- What is a Stamp Duty property valuation?
- What valuation date is used for Stamp Duty?
- What documents are needed for a Stamp Duty valuation?
- What is market value for Stamp Duty?
- Can a Stamp Duty valuation be updated?
- What is an arm’s length sale?
- Who can rely on a valuation report?
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. Stamp Duty and transfer duty matters should be discussed with a qualified solicitor, conveyancer, accountant or relevant revenue authority. Every valuation depends on the specific property, purpose, valuation date, evidence, assumptions and instructions.