What Is a Stamp Duty Valuation? | Northbourne Valuers

Short answer

A Stamp Duty property valuation is an independent assessment of market value prepared to assist with a duty or transfer duty matter.

It may be required where a property transfer does not clearly reflect an open-market, arm’s-length sale, or where a revenue authority, solicitor or conveyancer requires evidence of value.

The valuer assesses market value for the relevant property interest and valuation date. The valuer does not calculate duty payable or provide legal advice about the transaction.

Why this matters

Stamp Duty and transfer duty assessments can require evidence of value, particularly where the consideration does not clearly demonstrate market value.

A valuation report can assist by providing an independent opinion of value supported by property inspection, market evidence, assumptions and limitations.

The report should be prepared for the specific duty-related purpose. A valuation prepared for another purpose should not be assumed to be suitable without review.

When a Stamp Duty valuation may be needed

A duty-related valuation may be requested in different circumstances.

Related-party transfer
Transfer for nominal or no consideration
Transfer between family members or associated entities
Transfer involving a trust, company or other ownership structure
Property settlement or restructuring
No recent open-market sale evidence
Revenue authority request for evidence of value
Transaction where consideration may not reflect market value

The solicitor, conveyancer, accountant or revenue authority should confirm the transaction requirements before the valuation is finalised.

What the valuation usually covers

Depending on the instruction, the report will usually identify the property, property interest, valuation date, basis of value, inspection basis, market evidence, methodology, assumptions, limitations and final opinion of value.

For residential property, the direct comparison approach is often the primary method, with the valuer analysing comparable sales relevant to the valuation date.

Where the property is commercial, leased or unusual, additional analysis may be required.

What the valuation does not do

A Stamp Duty valuation does not provide legal advice about the transfer.

It does not calculate the duty payable, determine exemptions or concessions, complete revenue forms, or decide whether the transaction should proceed.

Those matters should be addressed by the client’s solicitor, conveyancer, accountant or the relevant revenue authority.

Common misunderstandings

A Stamp Duty valuation is not the same as the transfer price.

The transfer price may be relevant, but the valuation assesses market value as at the relevant date.

A related-party transaction is not automatically market evidence.

Where parties are related, the transaction may not show what the open market would have paid.

The valuer does not calculate Stamp Duty.

The valuer provides value evidence. Duty calculation and lodgement advice are separate matters.

The valuation date must be clear.

A value as at one date should not be treated as a value as at another date.

A short appraisal may not be enough.

A revenue authority may require a full valuation report depending on the transaction and jurisdiction.

Related glossary

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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.

What is a Stamp Duty property valuation?