Not everyone who says “Qualified Valuer” is one
Some people claim the title without holding the membership the law requires.
Valuer registration in NSW ended in March 2016, so the old “Registered Valuer” title no longer exists. Instead, the Strata Schemes Development Act 2015 requires a Valuer’s Certificate for a Schedule of Unit Entitlements to be given by a “Qualified Valuer”.
That definition is limited to particular membership classes of just three professional bodies. Even so, some people have approached surveyors and advertised online as Qualified Valuers when they are not.
The simplest protection is to contact the institute a valuer says they belong to and confirm their membership class qualifies them.
Unit Entitlement Valuations Pty Limited is owned and operated by Qualified Valuers who are members of the Australian Property Institute.
Strata experience is not optional
A valuer who doesn’t understand the strata legislation can cost you weeks.
Unit entitlement work is a specialised corner of the valuation profession, and it is not something a valuer picks up overnight.
Real depth comes from years of practice and from studying court and tribunal decisions, so that the advice is legally sound and uses the right valuation method for each type of plan.
We regularly come across errors in other valuers’ advice — sometimes published on their own websites — that show a misunderstanding of the current strata legislation.
Engaging an experienced strata valuer expert is simply the prudent choice.
How to check whether your valuer is qualified
Only three professional bodies represent valuers in NSW, and only certain membership classes count.
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Australian Property Institute
Must be an Associate, Fellow or Life Fellow. Student and Provisional members do not qualify.
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Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Must be a Chartered Valuer member.
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Australian Valuers Institute
Must be a Fellow or Life Fellow. Associates do not qualify.
If you are unsure, call the institute and ask for confirmation in writing. Note that the strata legislation says nothing about being a Certified Practising Valuer — what matters is the membership class.
Fraudulent certification is a crime
Only Qualified Valuers may sign Valuer’s Certificates and Schedules of Unit Entitlements.
Section 192G of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) makes it an offence to intend to defraud by a false or misleading statement:
“A person who dishonestly makes or publishes, or concurs in making or publishing, any statement (whether or not in writing) that is false or misleading in a material particular with the intention of: (a) obtaining property belonging to another, or (b) obtaining a financial advantage or causing a financial disadvantage, is guilty of an offence.”
Maximum penalty: imprisonment for 5 years.