October 2025
Proposed changes to the Land Valuers Licensing Act 1978
On 18 September 2024, the State Government introduced the Land Valuers Licensing Amendment Bill 2025 (the Bill) to Parliament.
The Bill proposes amendments to the Land Valuers Licensing Act 1978 (the Act) to streamline processes and allow qualified residential valuers to obtain a land valuer's licence in Western Australia.
This bulletin provides information about the proposed changes, including frequently asked questions. The amendments are explained in more detail below.
Why the changes are proposed
Currently, an applicant for a land valuer’s licence can only be granted a licence if the applicant demonstrates they are competent to value all types of land. This requirement presents a barrier to individuals experienced in valuing residential property only.
For example, most applicants rely on their professional membership of the Australian Property Institute (API) (the peak industry association representing land valuers) to obtain a licence. Members of the API who are certified as a “Residential Property Valuer” (RPV) or a “Certified Practising Valuer – Residential” (CPV – Residential) cannot currently be granted a licence under the Act because they do not satisfy the competency requirement to value all types of land.
Recognition of residential valuers
The Bill will introduce a framework for conditions to be imposed on a licence, including a condition that RPV and CPV – Residential valuers who obtain a licence must only value residential land.
Allowing residential valuers to specialise and obtain a land valuer’s licence in WA will improve efficiency and reduce red tape by not requiring residential valuers to be competent in valuing types of land that they have no professional interest in.
Prescribed qualifications will be “approved”
Another pathway to obtaining a licence is to hold a prescribed qualification and to have practical valuation experience. The Bill will amend the Act so that qualifications currently prescribed are instead “approved” by the Commissioner for Consumer Protection.
This change to approved qualifications is not intended to create a system of ad-hoc approvals, but will streamline processes to allow timely changes to be made to the list of relevant qualifications.
Improved licensing processes
The Bill also contains amendments to streamline, clarify, and modernise licensing processes, including by:
- clarifying renewal periods; and,
- ensuring continuity of licences that are renewed.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Where can I read more about the proposed changes?
A copy of the Bill and the Explanatory Memorandum are available on the WA Parliament website.
When will the changes commence?
Once the Bill passes Parliament, further work is required before the changes can commence. An industry bulletin will be sent to let valuers know when the changes will commence.
I want to become a residential valuer – when can I apply for a licence?
When the changes commence, API members who are certified as a Residential Property Valuer (RPV) or Certified Practising Valuer – Residential (CPV – Residential) will be able to apply for a licence in WA.
I am already licensed as a land valuer in WA – will a condition be imposed on my existing licence?
If you have been granted a land valuer’s licence in WA, you have already satisfied the Commissioner for Consumer Protection that you can undertake all types of land valuation, so a condition does not need to be imposed on your licence.
What other changes are proposed?
The Bill proposes several technical and administrative amendments to improve processes and to streamline the readability of existing provisions.
Further information
The Explanatory Memorandum provides notes about the changes that are proposed in each clause of the Bill.
If you have further questions or would like more information about these changes, please contact Consumer Protection on 1300 30 40 54 or by email.