About Registered Valuers
What is a Registered Valuer?
A Registered Valuer is a qualified, property valuation professional recognised in New Zealand as the independent authority on property value.
Registered Valuers provide objective, evidence‑based advice to support property transactions, lending decisions, legal processes, and investment decisions.
Registration is governed by the Valuers Act 1948 and overseen by the Valuers Registration Board (VRB), an independent statutory body. All Registered Valuers must also be members of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers (NZIV) and comply with its professional and ethical standards.
Founded in 1938, NZIV represents the valuation profession in New Zealand and is widely respected internationally. Under the Valuers Act, NZIV promotes high professional standards and supports the public interest.
Confidence in Property
The role of Registered Valuers in New Zealand’s economy
A strong and transparent property system is essential to a well‑functioning economy. Reliable property values support investment, lending, development, and financial stability.
Registered Valuers play a critical role in maintaining confidence in New Zealand’s property market by providing independent and professionally regulated valuations based on current market evidence and recognised international valuation standards.
Their work gives buyers, sellers, lenders, investors, and the courts confidence that property values are impartial, well‑reasoned, and reliable.
Many laws, legal agreements, and lending institutions in New Zealand require valuations to be completed by Registered Valuers, recognising their expertise and independence.
Every property is unique. Registered Valuers use professional judgement to assess the many factors that influence a property’s value.
For residential property, this may include tenure, layout, elevation and views, surrounding environment, and the quality and condition of improvements. These factors require on‑site inspection, local market expertise, and professional analysis.
Automated valuation models and algorithms cannot fully account for these complexities. Market conditions can also vary significantly between locations and change quickly, making professional judgement essential.
Rating valuations are prepared for local authorities to set property rates. They are produced using mass appraisal methods and are designed for rating purposes only.
Because of time and cost constraints, rating valuations do not involve the same level of detailed inspection or analysis as a market valuation completed by a Registered Valuer. They are also updated periodically (typically every three years), meaning they may not reflect current market conditions.
While rating valuations are useful for setting rates, they are not intended for property transactions, lending decisions, legal purposes, or other situations requiring an independent property valuation.
Professional Pathway
How to become a Registered Valuer
Registration is overseen by the Valuers Registration Board (VRB), an independent body established under the Valuers Act and administered by the Minister of Land Information.
To become a Registered Valuer, applicants must generally:
- Hold an approved university qualification in valuation;
- Gain at least three years’ full-time professional experience under Registered Valuers; and
- Pass written and oral examinations conducted by the Valuers Registration Board (VRB).
Registered Valuers must also hold an Annual Practising Certificate issued by the VRB and complete ongoing professional development to maintain their registration.
As part of this process, all Registered Valuers are required to be members of the New Zealand Institute of Valuers (NZIV) and comply with its professional and ethical standards.
For more information on approved university courses and a career in valuation please visit our Careers page