Litigation Property Valuations
Sovereign Valuations is experienced in undertaking property valuations for litigation purposes, being regularly engaged to provide expert evidence to courts for an array of commercial litigation matters. Valuation reports have been completed for most courts and tribunals including but not limited to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, County Court, VCAT, NSW LEC, and the Supreme Court.
We are cognisant of the high stakes involved in commercial litigation and are aware that an expert evidence property valuation is often the basis of a settlement figure. We do not take our role lightly, with all litigation valuation reports going through the rigour of thorough data analysis and detailed reporting, reducing the risk of ongoing disputes and associated legal costs. As part of our engagement, our experts are available for conferences, mediation and court attendance, being familiar with the court hearing process.
Property valuations provided for court are conducted in accordance with the Expert Witness Code of Conduct, noting that the Valuer’s duty is to provide independent expert evidence to the court and not to act as an advocate to either party. We take pride in upholding the professional standards and codes of ethics established by the Australian Property Institute (API) and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
FAQs
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A litigation valuation is an independent expert assessment of property value prepared for use in legal proceedings. It is prepared in accordance with the relevant court’s Expert Witness Code of Conduct and is prepared to withstand critique.
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Our directors regularly provide expert evidence in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, the Supreme Courts of NSW and Victoria, the County Court of Victoria, the NSW Land & Environment Court, VCAT, and various other tribunals and courts.
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A standard valuation report is prepared for a variety of purposes, including negotiation. An expert witness valuation report is a report which is completed in accordance with the Expert Witness Code of Conduct, with the valuer’s duty being to provide the tribunal or court with their independent and unbiased opinion. A valuer who provides an expert witness report may be required to attend court and undergo cross-examination.
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Yes. Courts frequently appoint a single expert valuer agreed between the parties, which can reduce costs and timeframes. Sovereign Valuations is experienced in providing single expert valuations in accordance with court directions.
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Briefs can be sent to admin@sovereignvaluations.com.au or through your legal representatives. We work directly with solicitors and barristers and are accustomed to responding to court-directed timelines.
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Yes. Retrospective valuations are commonly required in litigation matters — for example, to establish a property’s value at the date of a transaction or separation. We assess historical evidence and market conditions to provide a supportable opinion as at the relevant date.
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We cover all major asset classes in litigation including residential property, commercial property, industrial property, development sites, rural land, businesses and intangible assets. Our senior team includes specialists in compulsory acquisition, family law, and commercial disputes.