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The research investigates valuers' understanding of the value of sustainability in property and its' consideration in valuation practice in Australia. This paper explores valuers' perceptions of the relationships between sustainability and market values, sustainability and valuation variables, and the value influence of industry sustainability certification schemes. Further, this paper tracks prevalence of certified buildings in Australian commercial markets and the evolution of valuers' knowledge of sustainability certifications used in Australia.

This paper reports on the next rendition of a longitudinal study examining valuers’ practice in Australia. This research explores the evolution of Australian valuers' perception and knowledge of sustainability in valuation practice. The survey data has been periodically collected from practising valuers from 2007 to 2021. The survey questions investigate valuers' knowledge development, understanding, reporting and consideration of the relationship between sustainability and market value.

The results have identified the evolution of the influence of normative research on valuers' perceptions of the relationship between sustainability and value; with a clearer understanding emerging over time of where the value relationships are identified in valuation variables. Greater alignment between empirical Australian studies and valuers' perceptions of the influence of sustainability ratings on value, demonstrate the value connection for higher rated buildings under NABERS (energy rating) and Green Star. Whilst only 41% of the study's participants are including sustainability in their valuation reports, they include a higher level of commentary on building descriptions and initiatives, building ratings, and reporting of owner and tenant objectives, than in previous studies. Knowledge development relating to sustainability certification tool, NABERS was identified. This is likely linked to the introduction of mandatory disclosure legislation. This has also led to increased awareness and valuers' knowledge of the differences between the two key rating tools used in Australia.

The research has several limitations: firstly, recruitment of valuers and the number of valuers' responses has varied over time; secondly, due to collection methods respondents have a greater likelihood of having an interest in and knowledge of sustainability creating potential for positive bias; thirdly, respondents may have responded to the survey in different years, but due to anonymity there has been no ability to track this. The results provide insights into the Australian valuation profession but may not be fully representative of the profession overall in Australia.

The broader agenda of net zero, climate change, mitigation and carbon requirements, whether driven by market forces or government legislation, are generating changes in property markets as investors' reconsider their positions and model the implications of carbon emissions on their bottom lines. Introductions of policy and legislation over time in the Australian context have led to changes in valuation practice and increasing consideration of energy efficiency and ratings in the valuation of assets. However, further guidance and research still is required in Australia to assist in the knowledge development of valuers, and their ability to consider the emerging effects of sustainability, net zero and other market driven objectives including legislation, and how these may affect or influence their evaluation of market evidence and thus property values.

The research has tracked valuers' understanding, knowledge, and consideration of sustainability and energy efficiency in valuation practice since 2007. In that time the research has found that, as the market has evolved and more rated buildings are built (or retrofitted), so too has valuers' knowledge and consideration in valuation practices evolved. Valuers are more engaged with industry rating tools such as NABERS. This suggests that the Australian mandatory disclosure policies have contributed to changes in the market, which are then interpreted by valuers and reflected in their perceptions and consideration of energy ratings in valuation practice.

Examines the evolution of the Contractor′s basis of valuation for rating, the valuation framework currently adopted and the definitions that have emerged from litigation; considers the need for a review of the elements of the valuation framework in the light of recent economic changes and a more accurate approach to quantification. Discusses a possible solution proposed by the Government within the context of England and Wales and also in the light of the Contractor′s Principle in Scotland.

Provides a summary of developments in rating law and valuation during 1989‐90, with particular emphasis on the 1990 revaluation.

Currently, within the UK there are in operation three quite distinct rating appeal systems, one each for England and Wales, for Scotland and for Northern Ireland. In each, there are particular rules pertaining to such matters as the rights of a ratepayer to appeal, time limits to instigate appeals and the forums or mechanisms for dealing with appeals. Quinquennial revaluations are now the “norm” for Scotland, England and Wales and potentially for Northern Ireland, with the result that appeals against assessments are increasing across all three jurisdictions. In recognition of the fact that as rating valuers now represent clients across the breadth of the UK, this necessitates a working knowledge of each of the appeal processes. Focuses attention, therefore, on those procedural matters relevant to rating appeals in Northern Ireland.

This paper examines the use of the contractor's basis of valuation in rating assessment. It is often assumed that this involves the application of a simple, straightforward valuation model, but the practising valuer soon realises that the contractor's basis is more complex and contentious than it appears. It has been criticised for its alleged anomalies and vagaries, and it has been the subject of numerous Lands Tribunal and Court of Appeal decisions. The various ‘stages’ of a contractor's valuation model are discussed in detail against the background of the leading decisions and the manner in which the Court and the Tribunal have grasped the problems presented, including, inter alia, the university and public schools cases of the 1960s, Lord Denning's important decision in Cardiff Corporation v Williams (V.O.), and the recent dispute involving Imperial College of Science and Technology. After close examination of the stages, it is concluded that the guidelines which have gradually evolved now present the valuer with substantial rationale.

The paper's purpose is to review the growth of computer supported valuation models and the increased access via information technology to property data in the world of property taxation. The paper aims to stimulate debate on what the short/medium term future may hold. Is there room for both traditional valuation surveying skills and computer mass appraisal models in the enlightened property taxation world, where transparency and access to property data is expected?

The paper compares and contrasts developments and trends in the use of automated valuation models (AVMs) across the world to assess property for local taxation purposes. It focuses in detail on three automated property taxation valuation systems of which the author has working knowledge and experience: Valuation Office Agency – Council Tax (Dwellings) and Non Domestic Rating (Commercial); Northern Ireland Valuation and Lands Agency – Domestic (Dwellings); Hong Kong Rating and Valuation Department (Dwellings and Commercial) property. The paper also considers the progress made in access to property data and data storage/retrieval.

Automated valuation programmes assist in the production of a valuation but its quality and accuracy are data and valuer led. One size does not fit all and there is no automated replacement for the subjective professional judgement of the valuer.

This paper considers the challenges, opportunities and possible problems when using computer driven valuation models for property taxation purposes.

Discusses the development of expert systems (ES) as an improvement on computer‐aided valuation techniques (CAV), due to its allowing the modelling of complex non‐linear and qualitative relationships and processes, such as those which exist within the field of valuation. Explores valuation as a set of processes and details current technology with reference to the impact of CAVs in Australia. Discusses expert systems as the latest stage in the evolution of computer methods which support humans in decision making, outlines ES procedure and gives examples of current applications. Considers the application of expert systems to rating valuation and reviews the theory of ′information chunking.

Considers the problems of rating valuations for street and indoor markets. Discusses the most suitable way to solve them using three different types of market as examples. Queries whether the rates bill should be charged to the landlord or the occupier of the individual stall. Provides guidelines for the rating valuation of markets throughout the country.

Explains the important features of the new rating system, and how they interface with the major elements retained from the old. Discusses new terminology, hereditament, relevant property, non‐domestic property, and composite hereditament, as well as rateable value, methods of valuation, and alterations to the rating list.

Examines the methodological issues that arise in generating standardised transaction data for use in analysing the determinants of retail rents. Looks at the issues raised by the use of comparative information and the existence of widely accepted conventions for adjusting comparative evidence to allow for the specific physical and legal characteristics of individual properties. Concludes by questioning the need to test valuation convention against market evidence and the notion of open market value is reassessed.