What you are engaging us to do, and on what terms.

We are engaged to assess the property identified in the quote, on the basis of value stated in the quote (usually market value), as at the valuation date stated in the quote, for the purpose stated in the quote. Each of those four elements is part of the engagement. A report prepared for one purpose is not fit for a different one, and a report at one date says nothing about another.

The engagement includes a physical inspection by the valuer who signs, measurement and photography of the improvements, comparable sales research and analysis, the written report, and a conversation with the valuer about the report after delivery. It does not include appearing as an expert witness, preparation for a hearing, a second valuation date, additional titles not disclosed at quote, or a rebuild cost assessment where a market valuation was instructed. Those are quoted separately if you need them.

If something is discovered on inspection that falls genuinely outside the quoted scope — an undisclosed second dwelling, a title we were not told about, access that turns out to be materially different — we stop, tell you, and quote the additional work before proceeding. We do not vary an invoice on delivery.

What sets the fee, and what is included

The report names the instructing party and the purpose, and reliance is limited to that party for that purpose. No other person or entity may rely on it without our prior written consent, and we accept no responsibility to any third party who does so.

This matters practically. A lender, a co-owner, a purchaser or another party to a dispute cannot simply adopt a report addressed to you — and equally, a bank valuation obtained by a lender is not available to you. Where a third party genuinely needs to rely on a report, ask us: it is often possible, and it is a conversation rather than an assumption.

The report is not to be reproduced in part, or quoted selectively, in a way that could mislead. It may be provided in full to your professional advisers, and to a court, tribunal, revenue office or auditor for the purpose for which it was prepared.

Copyright in the report remains with RPV. You have an unrestricted licence to use it for the stated purpose.

Unless the report says otherwise, we assume that improvements have the necessary approvals, that the land is free of contamination and structurally sound, that there are no encumbrances beyond those disclosed on the title search we have seen, and that areas are as measured or as shown on plans provided. All assumptions are stated in the report.

A valuation is not a building or pest inspection. We record condition as it affects value and note what is visible. We do not open up the building, test services, inspect inaccessible areas, or provide a defect schedule. Where a defect is apparent and material to value we will note it and may recommend a specialist report.

A valuation is not a forecast. It is an opinion of value at the valuation date. It does not predict what the property will sell for on a given day, or what it will be worth later.

A valuation is not legal, tax or financial advice. We can tell you what a property is worth and what the report needs to contain for your purpose. Whether a particular tax provision applies to you, or what you should do about it, is for your accountant or solicitor.

Fees. The fee stated in the quote is fixed for the stated scope and does not vary on delivery. Nothing is payable to obtain a quote and there is no obligation to proceed. Professional instructing parties are invoiced on delivery of the report; terms for private clients are confirmed in the written quote before an inspection is booked. Fees are payable whether or not the valuation figure suits your purpose.

Cancellation. Cancel before the inspection is attended and nothing is payable. If the valuer attends and cannot gain access through no fault of ours, a reasonable call-out fee may apply — it will have been stated in the quote. Once the inspection is complete the full fee is payable.

Liability. We hold professional indemnity insurance and stand behind our work. To the extent permitted by law, our total liability arising out of or in connection with an engagement is limited to the amount recoverable under our professional indemnity policy in respect of that engagement, and in any event we are not liable for indirect or consequential loss, or for loss arising from information supplied to us that was incomplete or inaccurate. Nothing in these terms excludes, restricts or modifies any right or remedy you have under the Australian Consumer Law that cannot lawfully be excluded. Details of our professional indemnity cover are available on request.

Complaints. Raise it with the valuer first — most questions about a report are resolved in a conversation. If that does not settle it, put it in writing to us and we will respond. You also retain any recourse available through the Australian Property Institute or the relevant state registration board.

Governing law. These terms are governed by the law of Queensland, and the parties submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of that State.

Do I have to pay if I do not like the valuation figure?

Yes. You are engaging a valuer to form an independent opinion from evidence, not to produce a particular number, and the fee is for the work rather than for the outcome. A valuer who adjusted a figure to suit the client would be worthless to the courts, auditors and revenue offices who have to accept these reports — and that independence is the only reason the report is useful to you.

Can I cancel after I accept the quote?

Yes. If you cancel before the valuer attends, nothing is payable. If the valuer attends and cannot gain access through no fault of ours, a reasonable call-out fee may apply and will have been stated in the quote. Once the inspection is complete the full fee is payable, because the substantive work has been done by that point.

Can my bank or my co-owner use my report?

Not without our written consent. The report names the instructing party and the purpose, and reliance is limited to that. This protects you as much as us — it means nobody can adopt a report prepared for your circumstances and use it in theirs. Where a third party genuinely needs to rely on it, ask us; it is usually possible to arrange.