Terms of Engagement

Terms of Engagement – Valuation HQ

1. Acceptance of Terms

By engaging Valuation HQ and using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms of Engagement in full.
If you do not agree to these terms, either wholly or partially, you must notify us immediately and refrain from using our services.

2. Purpose of Valuation

Each valuation report is prepared solely for the specific purpose outlined in your written instructions.
It is not suitable for mortgage or lending security purposes, and we disclaim any liability if used for other purposes.

3. Validity of Valuation

Our valuation reflects the market conditions as of the date specified in the report and remains valid for three (3) months.
We do not provide guarantees or projections regarding future market performance.

4. Confidentiality & Use

The valuation report is strictly confidential and intended for the client who engaged our services.
It must not be copied, shared, published, or relied upon by any third party without our prior written consent.

5. Reliance on the Report

The entire report, including appendices and disclaimers, must be read in full.
We accept no responsibility for misinterpretation or misuse of any part of the report by unauthorised parties.

6. Market Conditions Disclaimer

Property values are influenced by market dynamics and site-specific factors.
We are not liable for any variation in value occurring after the date of inspection or report issue.

7. Conflict of Interest

To the best of our knowledge, no conflicts of interest exist concerning the property or parties involved in this engagement.

8. Indemnity

The client and any authorised recipient of the report agree to indemnify Valuation HQ, its employees, directors, and contractors against all claims, losses, or legal actions arising from the use of or reliance on the valuation.

9. Limitation of Liability

Our total liability is limited to the fee paid for the valuation service.
We are not responsible for indirect or consequential losses, including lost profits, unless caused by proven fraud or willful misconduct.

10. Client Responsibilities

You are responsible for providing accurate and complete information relevant to the valuation.
We rely on this information in good faith and cannot be held accountable for any errors arising from incomplete or incorrect data.

11. Limited Liability Scheme

Our liability is limited under a scheme approved by Professional Standards Legislation.

12. Amendments to Terms

These terms may be updated without prior notice.
Significant changes, where applicable, will be communicated in writing or published on our website.

13. Governing Law

These Terms of Engagement are governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia, and any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of NSW courts.

14. Statements on Future Values

Any statements or comments regarding future values are estimates only and must not be interpreted as guarantees.

15. Turnaround & Delivery

  • Standard turnaround: 2–10 business days, depending on property type and access.
  • Reports are delivered via email in PDF format.
  • Printed originals: $250 + GST per copy.
  • Additional copies: $50 + GST each.

16. Cancellation Policy

  • 50% fee applies for cancellations after engagement confirmation.
  • 100% fee applies for cancellations after property inspection.
  • No draft or partial reports are provided for cancelled instructions.

17. Court or Tribunal Attendance

  • Attendance charged at $550/hour (incl. GST).
  • Minimum charge: 4 hours per day.

18. Additional Services

  • Preparation of additional documents or participation in calls: $550/hour (incl. GST).

19. Payment Terms

  • Full payment is required prior to scheduling an inspection.
  • Invoices are issued upon receiving a formal request for valuation.

20. Overdue Accounts

  • Interest of 30% per month applies to overdue payments.
  • Clients are liable for any recovery, legal, or enforcement costs.

21. Valuer Declaration

Valuation HQ and its representatives declare no financial or personal interest in the subject property.

22. Copyright & Intellectual Property

All valuation reports remain the intellectual property of Valuation HQ.
Unauthorised reproduction, sharing, or public disclosure is strictly prohibited.

23. Valuation Basis

Reports are prepared on either:

  • “As Is” Market Value, or
  • “As If Complete” Hypothetical Market Value, based on provided plans/specifications.

24. Definitions

Market Value

“The estimated amount for which an asset should exchange on the valuation date between a willing buyer and seller in an arm’s length transaction, after proper marketing, with both parties acting knowledgeably, prudently, and without compulsion.”
Australian Property Institute (API)

Market Rental Value

“The estimated amount for which an interest in real property should be leased on the valuation date between a willing lessor and lessee, under proper marketing, with both parties acting knowledgeably, prudently, and without compulsion.”

Valuation Uncertainty

“The possibility that the valuer’s opinion of Market Value may differ from the actual price achieved, assuming market conditions remain unchanged.”
International Valuation Standards (IVS)