Five property valuation types you should actually care about

I used to think property valuation was a single number spat out by a website and that was that. Then I watched a deal wobble at the eleventh hour because the bank wanted a different grade of report. That was the moment I realized that valuation isn’t just one thing; it’s a ladder. Choose the appropriate rung, and you’ll go faster, spend less, and prevent bad shocks.

These days, when friends ask where to start, I point them to hovr.me. Not because you need another platform in your life, but because it lays out the differences between valuation types in plain English and lets you choose what fits your purpose. It sounds simple, but that clarity saves time and money when the heat is on.

Why property valuation needs levels

Real estate decisions aren’t all the same. Pricing a weekend auction isn’t the same as settling an estate, and neither looks like getting finance approved. That’s why a modern stack includes five distinct services: Basic, Desktop, Certified, SMSF audit, and Estate. Each has its lane, deliverables, and level of scrutiny. Hovr maps this well, which is why I use their language below.

Basic valuation where you start

A Basic valuation is your quick, budget-friendly read on value. It crunches market data to give you an indicative range without human inspection. Use it when you’re still kicking tires, setting a pre-auction ceiling, or pressure-testing an agent’s pitch. On hovr, Basic is positioned as the low-cost entry point, with transparent pricing that makes early research painless.

When it shines: early buy or sell decisions, shortlisting suburbs, setting an initial budget.

Watch outs: no eyes inside the property, so recent renos or hidden issues may not be fully captured. Upgrade when the stakes rise.

Desktop valuation when you need more certainty

Desktop steps things up. A qualified local valuer reviews comparable sales, planning data, imagery, and records to land on a firmer figure—all without an internal inspection. If you’ve ever had a lender say “pending valuation,” you know why this exists: it narrows the gap between your expectations and what a bank or auditor will accept. Hovr emphasizes Desktop for avoiding last-minute surprises, and notes tiered pricing that scales with property value.

Best for: refinance scoping, investor due diligence, portfolio reviews, time-sensitive scenarios.

Certified valuation when you need legal grade confidence

Certified is the heavyweight. It’s prepared by an API or AVI-certified valuer and is built to stand up to banks, courts, and tax offices. Expect deeper comparable analysis, photos, methodology, and a clear rationale. If you want the highest level of acceptance and a defensible opinion of value, this is the lane. Hovr describes Certified as legal-grade documentation often used for finance and family law matters.

Use it for: loan applications, family law, tax reporting, high-value or complex assets.

SMSF audit valuation keeping auditors calm

If your property sits inside a Self-Managed Super Fund, the rules change. Auditors and the ATO need market value supported by evidence as at specific dates. An SMSF audit valuation is tailored for that compliance moment—clear trail, objective data, and alignment with Australian standards. Hovr calls out SMSF-ready reporting; the ATO’s own guidance reinforces why this rigor matters at year-end.

Good to know: document the assessment annually and refresh sooner after major renovations or market shifts.

Estate valuation clarity during hard times

Estate, probate, and inheritance cases are where speed and neutrality count. An Estate valuation often needs a retrospective value as at the date of death, backed by reasoned comps and documentation everyone can trust. Legal teams appreciate clear, defensible reports that move matters forward. Hovr highlights this use case and the rising demand among legal firms for fast, neutral outputs.

How to pick the right lane

Here’s the decision logic I wish I had years ago:

• You’re exploring and just need a ballpark for bidding or budgeting → start Basic.
• You’re serious and want a stronger, inspection-fre.e opinion to avoid lender surprises → go Desktop.
• You need acceptance by banks or courts and a report that survives scrutiny → choose Certified.
• Your asset sits in an SMSF and auditors are circling → order an SMSF audit valuation.
• You’re handling an estate and need fairness plus documentation → commission an Estate valuation.

The quiet power of sequencing

The smartest investors I know treat valuations like checkpoints, not trophies. They start lean, then step up the rigor as commitment and risk escalate. Basic gets you moving. Desktop catches gotchas. Certified closes loops with stakeholders who demand formal assurance. SMSF and Estate serve specific regulatory and legal needs where format and timing are everything. Hovr’s model supports that sequencing, including clear descriptions of each tier so you’re not over- or under-buying the service.

Final thought

Property valuation isn’t about hunting for the perfect number. It’s about matching the report to the decision you’re making right now and the audience who must trust it. If you’re weighing your next step—buying, refinancing, auditing an SMSF, or settling an estate—pick the lane that fits and move with confidence. And if you want one place that lays out the options simply and lets you get it done fast, try hovr.me today.