Comparison
Online Valuation Tools vs Registered Valuer
Property portals offer instant estimates built from listing prices and, in some cities, registration data. They are useful for a first sense of value and useless as evidence: no embassy, bank, court or tax officer accepts an unsigned algorithmic range. A registered valuer's report is a professional opinion with legal standing, issued after inspection.
| Criterion | Portal estimate | Registered valuer's report |
|---|---|---|
| Basis | Listing prices, some registry data, algorithm | Inspection, registered transactions, method |
| Output | Range, unsigned | Single figure, signed and stamped, with photographs |
| Accepted by embassies, banks, courts, tax | No | Yes |
| Accounts for condition, title defects, tenancy | No | Yes |
| Cost | Free (paid reports from ₹999 on some portals) | ₹12,000–₹30,000 depending on purpose |
| Time | Instant | 24 hours to 7 days |
Verdict
Use a portal estimate to sanity-check an asking price. Use a registered valuer's report whenever the number has to be believed by someone else.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Housing.com or Magicbricks valuation accepted for a visa?
No. Consulates require a signed report from a recognised valuer.
Why do portal estimates differ so much from a valuer's figure?
Portals lean on asking prices, which run above registered values, and cannot see condition, title or tenancy.
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Last reviewed 6 September 2026 by ValuerDekho editorial team. Regulatory references are to the Income-tax Act 2025 and Income-tax Rules 2026 (in force from 1 April 2026) with the former 1961-Act section numbers in brackets. This is general information, not tax or legal advice.