Pierce & Widera logo
Pierce & Widera

Certified Australian property valuers servicing VIC, NSW, QLD

Welcome to Pierce & Widera

your trusted property valuation specialists in Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland
James Pierce and Christina Widera are certified Australian property valuers with years of experience providing accurate and reliable advice to property sellers and investors.

At Pierce & Widera, we understand that your property is one of your most valuable assets. That’s why we take the time to thoroughly inspect and analyse each property we value, taking into account its unique features and current market conditions. Our valuations help guide important real estate decisions like setting an asking price, negotiating offers, and understanding tax obligations.

Whether you’re selling your family home, purchasing an investment property or managing a commercial real estate portfolio, we can provide the expertise needed to make sure you receive maximum value. Contact Pierce & Widera today to schedule an on-site valuation or discuss how we can help with your property goals.

Our Services

At Pierce & Widera, we offer the following property valuation services:

Residential Valuations

We provide accurate market appraisals for houses, apartments, units, townhouses, and other residential properties. Our valuations help homeowners determine a fair asking price when selling.

Commercial Valuations

We value retail, office, industrial, and other commercial real estate. Our valuations assist commercial owners and investors make informed leasing and purchasing decisions.

Insurance Valuations

We determine rebuilding and replacement costs for home and contents insurance. Our reports provide appropriate coverage amounts to protect your assets.

Property Settlement Valuations

We supply settlement valuations for family law and estate actions. Our objective valuations help facilitate fair property settlements.

Capital Gains Tax Valuations

We complete valuations for capital gains tax purposes following the sale of a property. Our expertise helps maximise your tax return.

Land Valuations

We appraise vacant residential, commercial, industrial and rural land. Our reports assess sites for development potential.

Why Choose Us?

Contact our friendly team today to learn more about our property valuation services!

Recent Advice

Commercial Property in Melbourne

Understanding Commercial Property Income Valuations

When it comes to investing in commercial property, income valuation is a pivotal aspect to consider. Particularly in competitive markets like Melbourne, a thorough understanding of income valuation approaches can make or break an investment. This article delves into various methods focused primarily on rental yields to guide you through the maze of commercial property income valuation.

Types of Commercial Property

Before diving into income valuations, it’s essential to grasp the various types of commercial property.

  • Office Buildings
  • Retail Centres
  • Industrial Warehouses
  • Hotels

Rental Yields: The Building Blocks of Income Valuation

What Are Rental Yields?

Rental yield is the annual rent income as a percentage of the property’s total value. In Melbourne, rental yields can significantly influence commercial property income valuations.

Calculating Rental Yields

To calculate the rental yield, you take the annual rent income, divide it by the property’s current market value and multiply by 100.

Income Valuation Approaches

Direct Capitalisation Method

This is a straightforward technique where the property’s income is divided by a capitalisation rate to determine its value.

Discounted Cash Flow Method

In contrast, the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) method considers the present value of future cash flows to provide a more dynamic income valuation.

Factors Influencing Income Valuation in Melbourne

Location

Properties in prime Melbourne locations tend to have higher rental yields, thus impacting income valuations positively.

Market Conditions

Economic factors such as inflation and interest rates also play a crucial role in influencing rental yields and, by extension, income valuation.

Tenant Lease Terms

The terms agreed upon with the tenants can affect the valuation, especially when long-term leases are involved.

Wrapping Up

Understanding income valuation methods and how they’re influenced by various factors is essential for making informed decisions in the Melbourne commercial property market. Always consider the rental yield and utilise proven approaches like the Direct Capitalisation or Discounted Cash Flow methods to get the most accurate valuation.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the complex landscape of commercial property income valuations.

Person looking at questions to ask a property valuer on a clipboard.

5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Property Valuer

Choosing the right valuer is a crucial decision when selling or transferring a property. The valuer plays an important role in determining the property’s value. Selecting a reputable and experienced valuer can make the difference between getting full value for your property or leaving money on the table. This article will explore 5 key questions to ask when interviewing and selecting property valuers.

1: Experience and Qualifications

1.1 How long have you been a practicing valuer?

Look for a valuer with at least 5-10 years of experience valuing properties similar to yours. Experience brings knowledge of local market conditions.

1.2 What professional qualifications do you hold?

Choose a certified valuer who belongs to a professional body like the Australian Property Institute. This ensures they adhere to industry standards.

1.3 How many property valuations have you completed in this area?

Look for a valuer who regularly values properties in your suburb and surrounding neighbourhoods. Local experience is invaluable.

2: Valuation Expertise and Specializations

2.1 What property types do you have expertise in?

Ensure the valuer has experience with your specific property type, such as residential, commercial, industrial, rural, etc.

2.2 Are there any property features you specialize in?

Choose a valuer with expertise in unique property features like heritage listings, environmental issues, large land size, etc.

2.3 Do you have expertise with property sale/transfer scenarios like divorce, estate transfers, compulsory acquisition?

Opt for a valuer experienced in your specific scenario, as valuation methods can vary.

3: Valuation Methods and Standards

3.1 What valuation methods and standards do you follow?

The valuer should adhere to industry standards like the Australian Valuation Standards.

(more…)

Sydney skyline view of the city with the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Property Valuation Costs in Sydney 2023

Determining an accurate valuation for real estate in Sydney requires professional property valuers. Their fees vary based on the type of report and property being assessed. Understanding average costs helps sellers, buyers and investors budget for this important step.

Typical Sydney Property Valuation Fees

Residential Valuations

  • House – $440-$990+
  • Apartment/Unit – $385-$770+

Commercial Valuations

  • Retail Store – $2,200-$4,400+
  • Office Building – $4,400-$9,900+
  • Industrial Warehouse – $3,300-$7,700+

Rural Valuations

  • Vacant Land – $770-$1,650+
  • Farm/Ranch – $2,200-$4,400+

Specialty Reports

  • Insurance Valuation – $330-$770+
  • Capital Gains Valuation – $550-$1,100+
  • Family Law Valuation – $1,100-$2,200+

Key Factors Impacting Valuation Costs

Several key factors influence the total fees charged by Sydney property valuers:

(more…)

An open property valuation report document with charts and text on a desk.

What’s in a Property Valuation Report?

A property valuation report provides detailed information about the value of a property. Whether it’s for a residential or commercial property, a valuation report aims to determine the market value of the land and any improvements on it. Here’s what you can expect to find in a standard property valuation report.

Market Value

The first thing a valuation report will indicate is the property’s overall market value. This is an estimate of the amount the property could feasibly sell for on the current market. A professional valuer will analyse recent sales of comparable properties in the area to determine the market value. Location, property type, size, condition and other factors are taken into consideration.

Land Value

A valuation report will break the property value down into the value of the land itself and the value of any improvements on it. The land value is based on the property’s location and size without factoring in the buildings or structures built on it. Recent land sales of vacant lots in comparable areas are used to estimate the land value.

(more…)