Kerbside (drive-by) property valuation explained

A kerbside valuation, also called a drive-by valuation, is an external-only property valuation. The valuer assesses the property from the street without going inside, then combines what they see with comparable sales and market data to estimate market value. Lenders use kerbside valuations for lower-risk loans because they are faster and cheaper than a full inspection, but because the valuer never enters the property, they cannot account for what is inside.

What is a kerbside valuation?

A kerbside valuation is exactly what it sounds like: the valuer inspects the outside of the property from the kerb or street, rather than walking through it. They observe the exterior condition, the roof, walls, garden and how the property compares to others in the street, and pair that with market evidence to form a value.

It sits in the middle of the three common valuation levels. A desktop valuation involves no inspection at all and relies purely on data, a full valuation involves a complete interior and exterior inspection, and a kerbside valuation falls between the two, adding an external look to the data.

How a kerbside valuation works

The valuer physically attends the property but stays outside. From the street they note the building's apparent condition, size, style, presentation and any obvious external features or issues, then bring in the data side of the assessment.

That data typically includes recent comparable sales, the property's zoning, aerial imagery and current market trends. By combining the external observation with this evidence, the valuer forms an estimate of the property's market value. It is more grounded than a data-only desktop assessment, because at least the exterior and the street context have been seen firsthand.

When lenders use a kerbside valuation

Lenders reach for a kerbside valuation when the risk is lower and a full inspection is not warranted. Common situations include:

• Lower loan-to-value ratios. When the loan is comfortably under 80% of the value, the lender's risk is smaller, so a lighter valuation is often enough.
• Refinancing with equity. Where there is substantial equity in the property, a kerbside check may be all the lender needs.
• Tenanted properties. When a tenant occupies the property and interior access is difficult, an external inspection avoids the delay.
• Established, standard properties. For typical homes in established suburbs with good comparable sales data.

Kerbside vs desktop vs full valuation

The three levels trade off detail against speed and cost:

A desktop valuation is the lightest touch, a full valuation is the most thorough, and a kerbside valuation is the practical middle ground when the outside and the data are enough.

Advantages of a kerbside valuation

The appeal of a kerbside valuation is speed and cost. It is usually completed within one to two business days, and it can be noticeably cheaper than a full valuation, with some sources putting the saving in the range of $100 to $400. It is also less disruptive, since no one needs to arrange interior access or coordinate with a tenant. And it is generally more reliable than a desktop valuation alone, because the external condition of the property and its street context have actually been confirmed.

Limitations of a kerbside valuation

The trade-off is what the valuer cannot see. Because they never go inside, a kerbside valuation cannot account for interior renovations, hidden damage, or unusual internal features, so the figure rests on assumptions about the inside.

That makes it a poor fit for some properties. A heavily renovated home may be undervalued because the quality of the interior is invisible from the street, and a property in poor internal condition could be overvalued for the same reason. Obstructions such as high fences or vegetation can also limit what the valuer sees. Where the inside genuinely matters to the value, a full inspection is the better choice.

How Valato helps

Choosing the right level of valuation is about matching the report to the purpose. For a lower-risk lending check, a kerbside or desktop assessment may be enough, but for tax, SMSF, estate or legal purposes, or where the interior materially affects value, a full inspection gives you a more defensible figure. Valato offers valuations across that range, including certified in-person valuations where a complete inspection is needed. You can compare the options or order in a couple of minutes.

Frequently asked questions