Property valuation: how to order from a valuer
The purpose of the valuation decides which valuer you need
A property valuation report is never “general”. The requirements differ for a gift or inheritance transfer, for a bank loan, for a sale or for a court. So the first question to ask yourself is: where will I submit this report?
If it is a bank, you often need a valuer empanelled by that particular bank. Find out in advance and say so in your request, otherwise you will pay twice. If the valuation is for a registration or legal matter, a valuer with the right qualifications is enough, but it is worth checking the requirements with the office or your lawyer.
What can be valued
Most often people order a valuation of flats, houses, plots of land and commercial property. Vehicles, equipment and shares in property are also valued. For each item the valuer collects their own data, so state what exactly needs valuing.
How it works through BlaBlaPrice
You create a request and describe the item and the purpose. It is checked before it is shown, and you are told what is missing. Valuers reply in the chat: the price or what it depends on, the timing, and whether a site visit is needed. They can see where their offer ranks among the others, so they often improve their terms. Reviews are visible next to the offers, and contacts are opened only to the one you choose. Details are on the “How it works” page.
What to put in your request
- Item — a two-bedroom flat, house, plot, car, office, equipment, share.
- Purpose — registration, bank, sale, court, insurance.
- Address — city and area, because the visit depends on it.
- Parameters — area, number of rooms, size of the plot, or the make and year of the car.
- Bank requirements — if the valuation is for a loan, which empanelment is needed.
- Documents — plan, extracts, title papers.
- Timing and budget.
Example: “Cape Town. I need a valuation of a two-bedroom flat of 600 sq. ft, for an inheritance transfer. I have the plan and the extracts. Needed within 2 days, budget up to R 820.”
How to compare offers
- Find out what is in the price: the visit, photos of the property, the finished report on paper and in electronic form.
- Ask them to confirm their qualifications, and for a bank, their empanelment.
- Clarify the timing: a shorter one usually means urgency, which may cost extra.
- Ask whether the office you are submitting the report to will accept it.
The cheapest offer does not always suit: if the report is not accepted, you will spend the money twice. So look at the reviews and the terms next to the price.
For selling the property you may need estate agent services, and if the documents are out of date, think about a property survey and floor plan. All related services are in the “Real estate services” section.
