Solicitor Valuation Instruction Checklist: Documents to Prepare Before Ordering a Valuation

Written by: Sydney Property Valuation Editorial

Last updated: June 2026

Introduction

This checklist is designed for solicitors and conveyancers who are preparing to instruct a qualified valuer in a property, estate, family law or litigation matter. It sets out the documents, instructions and context that help a valuer produce an accurate report aligned to the legal purpose it is intended to serve.

Most delays in legal valuations are caused by incomplete instructions rather than the inspection or analysis itself. A missing valuation date, an unstated purpose or a forgotten lease can mean the report has to be revised, re-dated or reissued — often at the least convenient point in a matter. Working through this checklist before you instruct helps you avoid that, and gives your client a clear list of what to gather.

Who this checklist is for

This resource is intended for:

Property lawyers and conveyancers
Family law firms acting in property settlements
Estate and probate lawyers
Litigation and dispute lawyers
Anyone instructing a valuer on behalf of a client

It is a general preparation guide. It is not legal advice, and it does not replace the specific instructions a matter may require.

When this checklist is useful

Independent valuation evidence is commonly required for:

Family law property settlements
Deceased estate and probate administration
Litigation and dispute support
Related-party and intra-family transfers
Stamp duty or market value evidence for a revenue office
Retrospective valuations tied to a specific legal date

The documents and details to prepare

Work through the categories below. Not every item applies to every matter — gather what is relevant.

Property and title details

Full property address
Title reference, lot and plan number
A recent title search showing registered proprietors
Any registered interests, easements or caveats

Ownership and party information

Names of the parties and their ownership shares
The relationship between the parties (for family law or related-party matters)
Whether the property is held as joint tenants or tenants in common

Purpose and legal context

The type of matter (family law, probate, litigation, transfer, stamp duty)
The court, tribunal, revenue office or compliance body the report is for
Whether a single expert or party-appointed expert report is required
Any expert witness or court-format requirements

Valuation date

The date the valuation must reflect
Whether the matter needs a current or retrospective valuation
The relevant trigger date — for example date of separation, date of death or date of acquisition

Access arrangements

Who occupies the property and how access is arranged
Contact details for the occupant, agent or property manager
Any tenancy that affects inspection timing

Supporting property documents

Most recent council rates notice
Lease agreements for any tenanted or commercial property
Strata records, including the most recent levies notice, for strata-titled property
Building plans, approvals and renovation or improvement records
Any previous valuation reports or appraisals

Relevant legal correspondence

Court orders or directions affecting the valuation
Written instructions confirming scope and purpose
Known deadlines, hearing dates or settlement dates

Instruction details to include

When you instruct the valuer, confirm the following in writing so the scope is unambiguous:

Name of the client
The property or asset being valued
The purpose of the valuation
The required valuation date
The intended users of the report (for example the court, the ATO or a revenue office)
The legal, tax or estate context
Any deadlines
Any assumptions, special instructions or known issues

Clear written instructions protect both the firm and the client. They also reduce the risk that a report is later challenged on the basis that it answered the wrong question.

Common mistakes to avoid

Not stating the purpose clearly: A valuation for a family law settlement, a probate matter and a stamp duty assessment can require different bases and dates. State the purpose up front.
Providing the wrong valuation date: Retrospective matters turn on the correct date. A current-day figure is of little use when the law requires the value as at a past date.
Forgetting lease documents for commercial or tenanted property: Lease terms materially affect value and the report cannot be finalised without them.
Not confirming access arrangements: Unconfirmed access is one of the most common causes of inspection delays.
Sending incomplete or informal material: An old appraisal or agent estimate is not a substitute where independent valuation evidence is required.
Leaving out the intended report users: A report prepared for one purpose may not be appropriate to rely on for another.

Downloadable checklist

A one-page PDF version of this checklist is available to share with clients before they gather documents or before you formally instruct a valuer.

Download the checklist — use it before instructing a valuer or sending documents to your adviser.

Professional use note: Professional firms are welcome to share this checklist with clients as a general preparation resource. It is designed to help clients gather the relevant documents before obtaining independent valuation advice, and to reduce avoidable back-and-forth once a valuer is engaged.

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