Find a registered valuer now with our guide

Registered valuers are regulated by the Valuers Act 1948 and must be a member of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers and hold an annual practicing certificate.

Here’s a list of registered valuers in NZ. It’s split into areas, and notes when the valuer was first registered. Once you’ve found your valuer it’s a good idea to double check their name against this list to ensure they are registered with the relevant authorities. 

The best way to find a registered valuer is usually via recommendation from other advisors that you’re working with. This could be your real estate agent, lawyer or mortgage broker – all of whom will know several valuers that they’ve worked with before. 

If you’d prefer to find your own registered valuer, it’s a great idea to look for someone with a few positive online reviews. If possible, go for someone who’s been in business for several years in your area and has mainly positive reviews on Google or social media.

Many valuers only work with commercial property, others work with residential, while most have an area that they’re most familiar with. Find out about a valuer’s relevant experience and expertise before hiring them to make sure you’re working with the right person. 

The average residential valuation from a registered valuer costs around $800+ GST for a straightforward assessment, according to Smith Partners. This cost will increase or decrease based on the property’s: 

• Layout and size: with larger more intricate properties generally costing more. 

• Location: remote or rural homes may incur extra costs.

• Potential to be subdivided.

• Potential risks: which will need to be assessed, such as landslides. 

• The timeline and urgency of the job: faster turnarounds may cost more.

Our tip: It’s always a good idea to get a cost estimate or fixed quote from a valuer before you engage them so that you know exactly what to expect. 

If you’re not sure what to offer for a property or how high to bid at auction, a registered valuer can help you come up with an accurate, independent indication. 

Many lenders require a registered valuation before they offer you finance to buy a property. This is particularly common for first home buyers, construction loans or for those with small deposits.

If this is the case, make sure you include a finance condition when making an offer, leaving plenty of time to get the valuation done (ask the valuer how long it will take). If you’re bidding at auction you’ll need to complete the valuation in advance. 

When an impartial, reliable valuation is needed, it’s always best to use a registered valuer. This may be the case if you’re dividing relationship property, purchasing a home off someone you know, or buying or selling property within a family trust. 

Commissioning a registered valuation is a fairly simple process. Once you’ve found the right valuer for your needs, it goes like this:

• Engagement: you agree to use the registered valuer’s service. 

• Visiting the property: the valuer attends the property to inspect it. 

• Research: the valuer looks closely at the market in the area and what similar properties have been selling for. 

• Provision of the valuation report: the valuer provides a report, including key information about the property and an estimated value. 

The valuation report will take into account anything that could affect a property’s value, like its size, location, condition, chattels, and development potential.