6 Questions to Ask Your Valuer for a Reliable House Appraisal Estimate

Key Takeaways:

• How Asking the Right Questions Helps You Get a Reliable House Appraisal Estimate

It helps ensure your property valuation is up-to-date, defensible, and compliant with Singapore’s standards. From confirming SISV accreditation to understanding the inspection scope and valuation method, a proactive questioning approach leads to better-informed decisions and smoother financial outcomes.

Introduction

If you think property valuation is simply about assigning a price to a building, it may be time to take a closer look at what the process truly involves. In fact, it is a strategic exercise that influences negotiations, financing, and long-term investment planning. For businesses and investors in Singapore, a reliable home valuation can determine whether a deal moves forward or falls through.

Yet many stakeholders overlook one critical step: clarifying the valuation process before it begins. The questions you ask a licensed valuer can reveal how thorough, compliant, and reliable the outcome will be. Follow this questionnaire checklist to ensure that a house appraisal estimate stands up to scrutiny and serves its intended purpose.

What to Ask Your Home Valuer

1. Are You Licensed and SISV-Accredited?

Always start by confirming the valuer’s credentials. For property valuation in Singapore, credibility is key. Only licensed property valuers accredited by the Singapore Institute of Surveyors and Valuers (SISV) are recognised by major institutions.

Requesting a valuation report that complies with SISV valuation standards helps you confirm that house appraisal estimates will be accepted by stakeholders such as banks, lawyers, and regulatory bodies. Without this accreditation, the valuation may be challenged or deemed invalid for official use.

2. What Valuation Method Will You Use?

Different types of properties require different valuation approaches. For instance, residential units may be valued based on recent comparable transactions, while income-generating commercial properties often rely on capitalisation or discounted cash flow methods.

Understanding the chosen methodology provides context for the final valuation figure. It also reveals whether the home valuers are tailoring their approach to the property’s type, location, and intended purpose.

3. Do You Have Experience with My Property Type and Area?

In Singapore, property market nuances vary by district, tenure, and zoning—all of which can directly influence a property’s value. For instance, a freehold unit in District 10 commands a different price trajectory compared to a 99-year leasehold property in a non-central area—even if both have similar floor areas.

Fortunately, consulting a licensed property valuer can help you gain clearer and more reliable valuation insights. Regularly working within your property’s area, these professionals are familiar with micro-market conditions, recent transactions, and common issues that affect value. That said, their relevant expertise and experience can contribute to more defensible and data-backed appraisals.

4. What Will You Look for During the Inspection?

The physical inspection is a crucial part of the house appraisal estimation process. Ask the valuer what specific features they will assess. These typically include:

• Condition of the property
• Renovations or additions & alterations
• Floor plan layout and orientation
• Quality of fittings and fixtures
• External factors like view, noise, and surrounding developments, amenities
• Development type and size

Knowing what will be evaluated allows you to highlight key features and address any issues in advance.

5. Will I Receive a Full Valuation Report?

A professional valuation should always come with a comprehensive report. This document serves as an official record and includes:

• Final assessed value
• Explanation of the valuation method used
• Key assumptions and disclaimers
• Property details
• Location details
• Description of interiors
• Site photographs

In Singapore, a detailed valuation report that adheres to SISV valuation standards is essential. It offers transparency and serves as a future reference during audits, disputes, or financing applications.

6. How Should I Prepare Before the Appraisal?

While home valuers work independently, a bit of preparation on your part can influence the outcome. Simple steps such as cleaning the premises, preparing renovation documents, and pointing out recent improvements can help the valuer better understand the property’s condition and unique features.

For corporate clients or property agents, providing prior sales data, tenancy schedules, and land use information can also streamline the house appraisal estimation process and improve the credibility of the final report.