Introduction
Yes, you should get your house valued after renovation to understand your property’s new market worth, unlock equity, refinance your mortgage, or prepare for sale. The best time is 4-6 weeks after completion, once all work is finished and documented.
Many homeowners complete renovations without knowing their true return on investment. They miss opportunities to access increased equity or make informed financial decisions.
A professional property valuation reveals exactly how much value your renovation added. It gives you leverage for refinancing and future planning.
In this blog, we will explain should you get your house valued after renovation (when & how)?
Why Post-Renovation Valuations Matter for Homeowners
Getting your house valued after renovation provides concrete financial clarity. It transforms your renovation spend into measurable property equity.
According to CoreLogic data, Australian property values increased by 8.3% nationally in 2024. Your renovation gains sit on top of this market growth. A professional valuation captures both increases accurately.
Without a valuation, you’re guessing your home’s worth. Banks require formal valuations for refinancing applications. Insurance companies need updated values for adequate coverage.
- Reveals actual return on renovation investment
- Supports mortgage refinancing applications
- Updates insurance replacement values
- Provides evidence for future sale negotiations
- Helps with estate planning and asset allocation
Property valuations cost between $300 and $600 for standard residential homes. This small investment delivers significant financial insights and opportunities.
Best Timing for Your Post-Renovation Valuation
Wait 4-6 weeks after your renovation finishes before booking a valuation. This allows time for final touches, cleaning, and documentation gathering.
Rushing a valuation immediately after completion often backfires. Valuers may note incomplete landscaping or missing fixtures. These details reduce your assessed value.
The Australian Property Institute recommends having all council approvals and compliance certificates ready. Valuers check these documents during their assessment. Missing paperwork raises red flags and delays the process.
Consider market conditions when timing your valuation. Spring and autumn typically show stronger property markets in Sydney. A valuation during peak season may reflect higher comparable sales.
- Complete all punch-list items first
- Obtain final council sign-offs
- Gather all renovation invoices and receipts
- Allow landscaping to establish
- Clean and present the property professionally
Types of Property Valuations Available
Different valuation types serve different purposes. Understanding your options helps you choose the right approach.
Bank valuations are ordered by lenders for refinancing purposes. They’re conservative and focus on lending risk. According to Westpac, bank valuations typically come in 5-10% below market value.
Independent sworn valuations provide detailed reports for legal and financial purposes. Licensed valuers conduct thorough inspections. These reports hold up in court and satisfy insurance requirements.
Online automated valuations offer quick estimates using algorithm-based calculations. They’re free but lack accuracy for renovated properties. Algorithms can’t assess renovation quality or unique improvements.
| Valuation Type | Cost | Accuracy | Best For |
| Bank Valuation | $0-$300 | Moderate | Refinancing |
| Sworn Valuation | $400-$600 | High | Legal/Insurance |
| Online Estimate | Free | Low | Quick Reference |
How Professional Valuers Assess Renovated Properties
Valuers follow structured methodologies when assessing renovated homes. Understanding their process helps you prepare effectively.
The comparable sales method dominates residential valuations. Valuers analyse recent sales of similar properties within your suburb. They adjust for differences in size, condition, and features.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors standards require valuers to inspect both interior and exterior. They photograph key features and note renovation quality. Poor workmanship reduces value regardless of money spent.
Valuers specifically examine:
- Quality of materials and finishes
- Compliance with building codes
- Functionality improvements
- Energy efficiency upgrades
- Overall aesthetic appeal
Bathroom renovations typically return 60-80% of costs in added value. Kitchen upgrades perform similarly. Structural improvements like extensions often return less percentage-wise but add substantial dollar value.
Preparing Your Home for Maximum Valuation Results
Presentation significantly impacts valuation outcomes. A well-prepared home photographs better and impresses valuers.
Declutter every room before the valuer arrives. Clear benchtops, organised storage, and minimal furniture make spaces appear larger. Valuers assess usable space, not your belongings.
Compile a renovation summary document for the valuer. Include before-and-after photos, contractor details, and total costs. This helps valuers understand the scope of improvements made.
Fix minor defects before the inspection. Dripping taps, scuffed walls, and sticky doors suggest poor maintenance. These small issues create negative impressions that affect valuations.
- Deep clean all renovated areas
- Ensure all lights work properly
- Open blinds for natural light
- Remove personal items from bathrooms
- Mow lawns and tidy gardens
Using Your New Valuation for Refinancing
A higher property value unlocks refinancing opportunities. You can access equity, reduce interest rates, or restructure your loan.
The Reserve Bank of Australia data shows average mortgage rates around 6.2% in early 2025. Refinancing to a lower rate saves thousands annually. Your increased equity improves your loan-to-value ratio.
Banks typically lend up to 80% of property value without mortgage insurance. A post-renovation valuation may push you below this threshold. This eliminates costly lenders mortgage insurance premiums.
Equity access allows funding for further improvements or investments. Many property investors use this strategy to grow portfolios. Your renovation creates a springboard for wealth building.
Contact multiple lenders for refinancing quotes. Each bank uses different valuers with varying methodologies. Shopping around often reveals significant differences in assessed values.
Insurance Implications of Increased Property Value
Renovations change your insurance requirements substantially. Underinsurance remains a critical risk for Australian homeowners.
The Insurance Council of Australia reports 83% of Australian homes are underinsured. Post-renovation, this risk increases dramatically. Your old policy likely doesn’t cover new improvements.
Building insurance should reflect full replacement cost. This includes demolition, debris removal, and rebuilding to current standards. Renovation materials and labour costs have increased 15-20% since 2022.
Contact your insurer immediately after renovation completion. Provide your new valuation report and renovation details. Request a policy review and premium adjustment.
- Update sum insured amounts
- Add coverage for new fixtures and fittings
- Review contents insurance limits
- Consider temporary accommodation coverage
- Check for renovation-specific exclusions
Common Mistakes That Lower Post-Renovation Valuations
Certain errors consistently reduce valuation outcomes. Avoiding these mistakes protects your renovation investment.
Overcapitalisation tops the list of valuation killers. Spending $100,000 on renovations in a $600,000 suburb rarely returns full value. Valuers compare your home to neighbourhood sales, not your costs.
Unpermitted work creates serious valuation problems. Valuers must note non-compliant structures in their reports. Banks may refuse to lend against properties with illegal additions.
Poor quality workmanship shows clearly to experienced valuers. DIY renovations often lack professional finishing. Crooked tiles, uneven paint, and visible shortcuts reduce assessed values.
- Skipping council approvals
- Choosing trendy over timeless finishes
- Ignoring structural issues for cosmetic upgrades
- Removing bedrooms for open-plan living
- Over-personalising with unusual design choices
Conclusion
Getting your house valued after renovation is a smart financial move. It reveals your true equity position and opens doors for refinancing, insurance updates, and informed decision-making.
At Sydney Home Renovation, we help homeowners maximise their renovation returns. We provide detailed documentation and quality workmanship that valuers recognise and reward.
Contact us today to discuss your renovation project. We deliver transparent pricing, expert craftsmanship, and results that add genuine value to your property.
FAQs
How long after renovation should I get a valuation?
Wait 4-6 weeks after completion. This allows time for final touches and document gathering. Rushing leads to lower valuations due to incomplete presentation.
Does a bathroom renovation increase home value?
Yes, bathroom renovations typically return 60-80% of costs in added value. Quality finishes and functional layouts perform best. Modern bathrooms strongly influence buyer decisions.
Can I use an online valuation for refinancing?
No, banks require formal valuations from licensed professionals. Online estimates use algorithms that can’t assess renovation quality. They’re useful for rough guidance only.
What documents do I need for a property valuation?
Gather council approvals, compliance certificates, and renovation invoices. Include contractor details and before-and-after photos. These documents help valuers understand improvement scope.
How much does a professional property valuation cost?
Standard residential valuations cost $300-$600 in Sydney. Bank-ordered valuations may be free or discounted. Complex properties or legal valuations cost more.
Will unpermitted renovations affect my valuation?
Yes, significantly. Valuers must note non-compliant work in reports. Banks may refuse lending against properties with illegal structures. Always obtain proper approvals.
Should I renovate before selling or sell as-is?
This depends on your property’s condition and local market. Strategic renovations in kitchens and bathrooms often return investment. Consult a local agent before deciding.