The RaoValuers Blog
Plain English articles about property, tax and valuation. Written for property owners, not for experts. Pick the topic that sounds like your situation.
How to Find a Government-Approved Property Valuer in India
To find a government-approved property valuer in India, check the official directory of the Institution of Valuers (IOV) or the list of valuers registered with the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI).
Land and PlotsHow Land Market Value is Determined in India (2026)
Many people in India who own, buy, or inherit property feel confused about what their land is truly worth. You hear various terms like 'market value' and government rates like 'circle rate' or 'guideline value', and it is hard to know which one matters for your situation.
Bank LoanProperty Valuation for Court
You are in a tough spot, dealing with a legal dispute involving property. Whether it is a divorce, an inheritance claim, a family settlement, or a partition suit, your lawyer or the court has asked for a property valuation. This is not just any valuation.
Valuation BasicsCircle rate, guidance value, jantri: one rate, many names
Ask a Delhi owner about the circle rate and a Bangalore owner about the guidance value and you are asking both the same question. Every state sets a minimum value for property, and almost every state gives it a different name. This is the list, and what the rate does and does not mean.
Income Tax ReturnCost of Property Valuation for Schedule AL in India
As government-approved and IBBI registered valuers, we at Rao Valuers have been assisting Indian taxpayers with their property valuation needs since 1995. We understand the specific requirements of the Income Tax Department and the importance of accurate reporting.
Selling a PropertyHow to Get Your Property Valued in India (2026 Guide)
Getting your property valued in India can feel like a maze. You might need a valuation for a home loan, a visa application, capital gains tax, or even a family settlement. The good news is, it does not have to be complicated.
Court and FamilyTrusted Government-Approved Valuers for Family Court
Family court disputes involving divorce, separation, or inheritance are incredibly stressful. On top of the emotional toll, you have to deal with complex legal requirements, especially when property is involved.
Bank LoanWhy Banks, Embassies Trust Government-Approved Valuers
You are applying for a student visa, trying to immigrate, or securing a bank loan. Suddenly, you hit a roadblock: you need a property valuation report. You might think, "Can't I just use one of those apps for a quick estimate?" The short answer is no, not for official purposes.
Selling a PropertyProperty Valuation Documents for Capital Gains Tax
Selling property in India can involve understanding capital gains tax. If your Chartered Accountant or financial advisor has recommended a property valuation report, you are likely seeking clear guidance. This guide provides a checklist to prepare before contacting a government-approved valuer.
Selling a PropertyInherited Property Valuation: Your Guide for 2026
For inherited property in India, you need a valuation report from a Government Approved Valuer registered with the IBBI. This report is essential for calculating capital gains, finalizing family settlements, or applying for visas.
Bank LoanHDFC Home Loan Valuation Time: What to Expect in 2026
You have applied for a home loan, and now you are waiting. One of the critical steps in the process is the property valuation. It is natural to wonder, "How long does property valuation take for an HDFC home loan?" (And for other banks, too.) You are not alone.
Selling a PropertyHow to Buy Bank Auction Property in India: 2026 Guide
"How to Buy Bank Auction Property in India: Complete Guide for First-Time Buyers"
Bank LoanFair Value of Land in India: Your 2026 Guide
For over 35 years, our team at Rao Valuers has helped property owners understand the true worth of their land. You have probably heard terms like "fair value," "market value," and "circle rate" thrown around, especially if you are buying, selling, or dealing with taxes on property in India. It can get confusing fast.
Bank LoanVerify Rao Valuers: IBBI-Registered for Your Valuations
As Parish Rao, Founder and Director of Rao Valuers, formerly known as Rao Associates, I often hear from people needing a valuation for something important. Maybe it is for a bank loan, a court case, or an embassy for a visa application. The first thing they ask is, "How do I know your valuation will be accepted?"
Selling a PropertyProperty Valuation Cost in India (2026 Guide)
Many individuals and entities, especially those selling a property after years, ask about the cost of a government-approved property valuation. They want to understand the fees and what the service covers.
Bank LoanProperty Valuer for Dispute Cases in India, 2026
I need a valuer for a property dispute case, can you help me find one?
Valuation BasicsAuthorised evaluator, approved valuer, registered valuer
People search for an authorised evaluator when a bank or a tax officer has asked them for a property valuation. It is not the official term in India, but the person being described is real, and the registration they hold decides whether your report is accepted or thrown out.
Land and PlotsHow to work out what land is worth to a developer
Ask what a plot is worth and most people quote the rate per square yard on that road. A developer never starts there. They start at the far end, with what can be built and what it will sell for, and work backwards to what the land can be worth.
Residential PropertyWorking out built up area from carpet, step by step
Most explanations of built up area stop at the definitions. That is the easy half. This one takes a single flat and does the arithmetic in both directions, because the direction you need depends on which number somebody has handed you.
Selling a PropertyHow to Price Your House for Sale: An Indian Valuation Guide
Determining the right selling price for your house involves combining a professional, government-approved valuation report with a thorough analysis of comparable sales in your locality and current market conditions.
Visa and ImmigrationImmigration Property Valuation Report: Your 2026 Guide
An immigration property valuation report is a government-approved document certifying the current market value of your property, issued by an IBBI-registered and government-approved valuer.
Income Tax ReturnSchedule AL Valuation: Self-Occupied Property in ITR 2026-27
For individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) with total income exceeding ₹50 lakh, filing Income Tax Return (ITR) Schedule AL (Assets and Liabilities) is mandatory. The question of whether a property valuation is needed for a self-occupied home frequently arises.
Income Tax ReturnSchedule AL in Income Tax: Your Guide for 2026-27
Schedule AL is a mandatory part of ITR-2 and ITR-3 for individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) with a total income exceeding ₹50 lakh in a financial year.
Selling a PropertyAffordable Government Approved Valuers for Capital Gains
As a property owner in Mumbai, you know selling property means dealing with Capital Gains Tax. The Income Tax Department often requires a valuation certificate from a "Government Approved Valuer" to calculate this tax correctly, especially under Section 55A.
Bank LoanBank Mortgage Valuation Bangalore: Site Inspection & Report
A bank mortgage valuation is an independent expert opinion on a property's market value, required by banks in Bangalore to determine loan amounts. Rao Valuers provides government-approved valuation reports with site inspections, ensuring acceptance by banks for home loans.
Court and FamilyCourt Property Valuation: Your Expert Guide (2026)
Navigating property disputes in court can be really stressful, especially when it involves family or significant assets. I'm Parish Rao, founder of Rao Valuers. My team and I understand that you need clear, reliable information and a valuation report that the court will accept without question.
Selling a PropertyWill you be taxed twice on an Indian sale?
India taxes property situated in India, regardless of where the owner lives. That right comes from the location of the asset. Most countries tax their residents on worldwide income, which includes a gain made in India.
Selling a PropertySelling from abroad: the order that works
Establish the cost first A valuation for the 1 April 2001 value if the property is that old, plus any other date your filings need.
Valuation BasicsGovt Approved vs Registered Valuer: Which Do Banks Need?
No, they're not the same legal thing, even though most people use "government approved valuer" as a catch-all phrase. In practice, that phrase usually means a Registered Valuer under Section 34AB of the Wealth Tax Act, 1957.
Visa and ImmigrationVisa Property Valuation: Cost & Turnaround Time 2026
A visa or immigration property valuation report in India typically costs somewhere between Rs 3,000 and Rs 15,000 depending on the property type, city, and how fast you need it.
Valuation BasicsBest Govt Approved Property Valuers Delhi 2026
I get this question every week from NRIs and local buyers alike. The short answer is that a handful of firms in Delhi meet the strict requirements for both bank loans and court work. But the longer answer matters more because one wrong choice can delay your sale or get your tax filing rejected.
Bank LoanBank Mortgage Valuation Bangalore: Site Inspection & Signed
A reputable valuer for bank mortgage valuation in Bangalore must conduct a physical site inspection and provide a signed, certified report that meets the bank’s panel requirements. Government approved valuers, registered under Section 34AB of the Wealth Tax Act or IBBI, are typically accepted by all major banks.
Valuation BasicsGovernment-Approved Property Valuation in India: Reddit Q&A
By Parish Rao, Founder and director of Rao Valuers, formerly known as Rao Associates.
Selling a PropertyCalculate LTCG Tax on Property in India (2026 Guide)
Hi, I am Parish Rao, founder of Rao Valuers. For over 35 years, my team and I have helped property sellers across India understand their tax liabilities and secure accurate valuations. If you are selling property, you have likely heard about Long Term Capital Gain (LTCG) tax.
Court and FamilyExpert Property Valuation Report for Court Proceedings 2026
An expert property valuation report for court proceedings is a legally binding document prepared by a qualified, independent valuer that provides an objective assessment of a property's market value, specifically designed to withstand judicial scrutiny.
Inherited PropertyGerman tax reaching your Indian inheritance
Indian families in Germany are often surprised that an Indian house, which never leaves India, can matter to a German tax filing. The reason is that German inheritance rules follow people, not only property.
Valuation BasicsProtecting your Indian property from abroad
Quiet deterioration. An empty house with no one checking it. Leaks, damp and structural problems that would have cost little to fix early. Tenants who stop paying or will not leave. Eviction in India can be slow.
Selling a PropertyProperty Valuation for Capital Gains: What It Costs
"I got different numbers from ChatGPT, CoinTracker, and my CA. Who do I believe?" This question, seen across many online forums, highlights a common frustration. For property sales in India, the root cause is not tax software error but the cost basis of the asset.
Court and FamilyHow Property Value is Determined in Court Cases 2026
TL;DR ANSWER BLOCK Property value in an Indian legal dispute or court case is determined by a court-appointed or IBBI-registered valuer, and the method depends on the property and dispute.
Selling a PropertyInherited Property Valuation in India: Your 2026 Guide
Inheriting property in India can feel overwhelming. You are likely navigating personal loss while facing complex legal and financial tasks. One of the most crucial steps is getting a fair and accurate valuation for that inherited property.
Selling a PropertyTelling the CRA about your Indian property
Canadian residents have to report specified foreign property once the total cost amount of everything they hold outside Canada goes above one hundred thousand Canadian dollars at any point in the year. Indian real estate held as an investment, or rented out, sits inside that.
Selling a PropertyIndian property and your US tax return
Directly held foreign real estate is generally not what the foreign account reporting forms are aimed at. Those forms are about financial accounts and certain financial assets. What often is reportable is everything attached to the property.
Selling a PropertyLTCG Tax on Property in India: 2025 Rates and Exemptions
So, you've sold a property in India, or you're thinking about it. Great. But now you're probably wondering about the taxman. Specifically, Long Term Capital Gain (LTCG) tax. It's a big one, and you want to get it right.
Selling a PropertyHow to Find Property Value by Address in India (2026)
You are selling a property you have owned for years, maybe decades. You know you need to calculate capital gains tax, and your CA (Chartered Accountant) told you that you need an official valuation report. You cannot simply write down a number yourself.
Bank LoanZillow for India? Get a Government-Approved Valuation
Zillow's "Zestimate" does not work in India because it is designed only for US properties and has no data for the Indian real estate market. An Indian property cannot receive a Zillow valuation because the tool lacks information on local Indian factors like floor area ratio, construction quality.
Selling a PropertyCalculate Capital Gains Tax on Property Sale in India
TL;DR: To calculate capital gains tax when selling property in India, subtract the indexed cost of acquisition and improvement, along with transfer expenses, from your sale price.
Bank LoanBank Loan Amount & Property Valuation: Your 2026 Guide
When you are looking to buy a home or take out a loan against your existing property in India, a crucial question often arises: "How exactly does the bank decide how much money to lend me based on my property's value?" It is a common query, and for good reason.
Bank LoanProperty for Visa: How to Prove Financial Assets in 2026
Applying for a visa can feel like navigating a maze, especially when it comes to proving you have enough money. Many applicants overlook a significant asset they already own: their property.
Bank LoanCan you get a loan on a very old building?
The question a lender actually asks is how much useful life the building has left, and whether that comfortably exceeds the loan tenure. A well built 1965 structure in sound condition can assess better than a carelessly built 2005 one that has been neglected.
Court and FamilyHow courts appoint a valuer, and what follows
Two sides file two valuations that are far apart. The court has to decide something, so it usually appoints its own. Knowing how that unfolds tells you how to protect your position before it happens.
Residential PropertyHow Long Does Property Valuation Take for a Home Loan?
If you're waiting on a property valuation for your home loan, here's the honest answer: a standard residential property valuation takes 2 to 4 working days from the moment you submit your documents to the moment the report lands in your inbox. This is not instant. But it is predictable.
Inherited PropertyHandling an inherited Indian property from abroad
A parent has died, there is a property in India, and you are eight thousand kilometres away with limited leave. This is one of the most common situations we handle, and almost all of it can be done without you flying back repeatedly.
Visa and ImmigrationRefused on financial documents? Reapplying well
Refusal letters are often generic, but they usually indicate a category. Insufficient funds, doubts about the purpose of travel, weak ties to home, or documents that could not be verified. Each needs a different response.
Court and FamilyIs your redevelopment offer actually fair?
Members are handing over something valuable: their existing flats and, more importantly, the development rights of the land underneath. In return they receive a package.
Selling a PropertySelling agricultural land: is it even taxable?
Farmland is one of the few assets where the answer might genuinely be that no capital gains tax applies at all. It might equally be that the full tax applies. What decides it is mostly geography.
Visa and ImmigrationHow fast can you get a visa valuation?
For a normal property with the owner reachable: Day zero. You call, send the checklist and the property papers. We confirm what is needed and quote. Day one. Site visit, usually within a day in any city we cover.
Bank LoanSwitching your home loan? Value it first
Most owners approach a balance transfer thinking only about the interest rate. The valuation matters just as much, because it quietly decides how much you can move, how much you can add, and sometimes what rate you are offered.
Selling a PropertyWhat does a property valuation actually cost?
Because the work genuinely differs. A one bedroom flat in a society with clean papers, valued for a visa file, is a straightforward job.
Inherited PropertyLegal heir or succession certificate?
Families are sent back and forth between offices because they applied for the wrong one. The names sound interchangeable and the difference is rarely explained, so here it is plainly.
Bank LoanHow long does a bank valuation stay valid?
A valuation is a snapshot of one date, not a permanent statement. Banks know this, which is why every report has a shelf life, and why files sometimes stall weeks after everything seemed settled.
That is the 60 most recent of 126 articles. The rest are grouped by topic above.