The Government will now allow accredited private valuers to conduct land valuations.

In a statement yesterday, Lands Cabinet Secretary Faridah Karoney said a number of private valuers have already been vetted and approved, and a list of successful applicants would be published in the ministry’s website by tomorrow.

According to the CS, the move to bring in private valuers was informed by constrained manpower owing to the limited number of Government valuers amid growing demand for faster valuation to obtain stamp duty.

Costs valuation 

“The introduction of private valuers affords citizens and particularly property owners the right of choice.

Citizens are, however, encouraged to understand the provisions of the law to enable their informed decision making,” said Karoney.

She said the revised requisition for valuation for stamp duty form can be downloaded from the ministry website.

“The selection of valuer form is also available for download. The ministry shall pursue continuous stakeholder engagements to address any issues of concern,” she assured.

She at the same time clarified that, much as Government does not charge any fees for valuation for stamp duty, those who elect private valuers will incur valuation costs as provided in the Valuers Act.

Appointed valuers will be expected to observe professionalism in the conduct of their duties.

She said modalities for appointment of private valuers by the Chief Government Valuer were developed through robust consultations between ministries of National Treasury and Lands and key stakeholders in the sector.