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Residential property valuers in Western Australia could become licensed under new proposed reforms aimed at improving productivity and reducing costs for consumers.
For the first time, the Western Australian government has introduced a bill to Parliament to allow qualified residential property valuers to obtain a land valuer’s licence.
The Cook government introduced the bill on Thursday, seeking to amend the Land Valuers Licensing Act 1978 (WA).
Under current laws, only valuers who can assess all types of land, residential, commercial and industrial can be licensed in Western Australia.
This has excluded many skilled residential valuers, including those certified by the Australian Property Institute (API), from working in the state.
“Under the new legislation, the Commissioner for Consumer Protection will be able to grant licences with conditions that limit the holder to residential valuations,” the state government said.
“This will allow API-certified residential property valuers or certified practising valuers (CPV) - residential to be licensed in WA.”
According to the state government, the amendments to the Land Valuers Act will improve productivity and reduce costs for industry and consumers.
“The changes will create new employment opportunities in WA and potentially attract skilled workers from interstate and overseas,” it said.
In addition, the bill includes updates to simplify and modernise licensing processes.
Additional amendments to the bill include clarifying licence renewal periods and ensuring continuity of licences that are renewed.
Furthermore, if passed, the bill will extend the time frame for issuing infringement notices to align with other legislation in the commerce portfolio, including the Short-term Rental Accommodation Act 2024 (WA).
The WA government said that the API, which launched the CPV - residential certification earlier this year, has backed the reforms.
WA Commerce Minister Tony Buti said the changes would recognise the skills of residential valuers while removing barriers that have limited their ability to work in the state.
“It’s a practical change that supports industry, improves consumer access and strengthens our workforce,” Buti said.
“By enabling residential valuers to be licensed, we’re unlocking new employment pathways and supporting the property sector with more flexible and responsive regulation,” he added.
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