Finance This, Property That

Episode 59 Why Valuers Are Killing Your Property Deals – And How to Respond

Dion Fernandes

In this insightful episode, mortgage planner and finance strategist Dion Fernandez unpacks a frustrating reality in the property investment world: how inconsistent and conservative property valuations can derail your finance strategy. Drawing from real client experiences, Dion reveals why different valuers can assess the same property with wildly different outcomes—and what you can do about it.

Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of:

  • Why valuations can come in low, even in a rising market
  • The crucial difference between bank and real estate valuations
  • How to proactively challenge valuations (and when you can’t)
  • The importance of working with a broker who understands lender policies and valuation processes

If you're a strategic investor, time-poor professional, or self-employed borrower, this episode is essential listening to avoid valuation pitfalls and protect your property deals.

🧩 Episode Breakdown:

  • 00:00 – 01:00
    Welcome & Purpose of the Podcast
    Dion introduces the show and outlines the mission: empowering property buyers with strategy, not just low interest rates.
  • 01:01 – 02:30
    Topic Introduction – The Valuation Dilemma
    Dion tees up today’s focus: the role of valuers in either enabling or killing property deals, and why some recent valuations have been problematic.
  • 02:31 – 05:00
    Why Do Valuations Come in Low?
    Insight into how different valuers assess properties, the constraints lenders place on valuers, and why identical homes can receive drastically different valuations.
  • 05:01 – 06:30
    Key Factors in a Valuation
    Dion breaks down what valuers look for—comparable sales, market sentiment, and property presentation—and why keeping your home clean matters more than you think.
  • 06:31 – 08:00
    Bank Valuation vs. Real Estate Valuation
    Clarifying the difference between a mortgage-driven bank valuation and a real estate agent’s market valuation.
  • 08:01 – 10:00
    How to Challenge a Low Valuation
    Dion explains the process of contesting a valuation, the broker’s role, and how having supporting sales data is essential (but not always enough).
  • 10:01 – 11:30
    Case Study 1 – Successful Challenge
    Real client story: A $3.1M penthouse received a $2.4M valuation—but strategic lender selection and valuation challenges led to a final approved value of $3.25M.
  • 11:31 – 12:30
    Case Study 2 – When the Challenge Fails
    SMSF purchase gone sideways due to a $60K undervaluation and limited lender options. Sometimes, a challenge isn’t enough to salvage the deal.
  • 12:31 – 13:00
    Key Takeaway & Contact Info
    Final message: strategy matters. Work with a broker who knows how to play the game. Connect with Dion on Instagram, LinkedIn, or his website.

Perfect For:

  • Strategic property investors
  • Self-employed or high-income borrowers
  • Professionals needing a proactive finance team
  • Anyone who's had a deal fall through due to a low valuation

Want more strategic property insights?
 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube
🌐 Visit: financethispropertythat.com.au

📲 Connect: Instagram @dionfinancespecialist
| LinkedIn Dion Fernandez