Property Valuation in Gaborone: What a Registered Valuer Does and How to Instruct One
The value placed on your property can decide whether your bond is approved, how much your insurer pays out, the outcome of a BURS assessment, or how an estate is divided. A property valuation is only worth paying for if the people relying on it will accept the report.Sam Associates Botswana has valued property since 1992. Our valuations are led by Chief Valuer Darius Chifumba, who has more than 35 years’ experience in Botswana.Request a no-obligation written fee quotation →
The site inspection of a standard residential property usually takes under an hour. The written report follows within a few working days, and urgent reports can be arranged. Mention your deadline when you request a quote.
What a property valuer in Gaborone actually assesses
A valuation is not an estate agent’s asking price. A registered valuer inspects the property on site, measures the improvements and records the condition and finishes. The valuer then tests that evidence against recent comparable sales in the same area, because Block 8 behaves differently to Phakalane, and Mogoditshane differently to Tlokweng. The result is a written report with a defensible figure.Two figures often appear in the same report and are easily confused:- Market value: what a willing buyer would pay for the property in its current condition.
- Insurance replacement value: what it would cost to rebuild the property from scratch.
Check registration before you instruct a valuer
Under the Real Estate Professionals Act 2003, a valuer needs three things for a report to carry weight with banks, insurers and the courts:- a licence from the Real Estate Advisory Council (REAC)
- membership of the Real Estate Institute of Botswana (REIB)
- registration with the Valuation Surveyors Registration Board
Which valuation do you need?
The purpose of the report determines the method, so say what it is for when you enquire.- Bond and mortgage: required by banks before a home loan is approved, to confirm open market value.
- Insurance replacement: the full rebuilding cost, used by underwriters to set your cover and premium.
- Market value: the figure that matters when you buy or sell.
- Estate and deceased estate: accepted by the Master of the High Court, executors and legal practitioners.
- Statutory and BURS: prepared for Property Transfer Tax and Withholding Tax purposes.
- Land: tribal, freehold and state land, valued for development, acquisition or disposal.
- Compensation: for land taken for public works such as road widening.
- Equity release and refinancing: needed to access equity or refinance an existing property.
- Commercial and industrial: offices, retail units and warehouses, including investment and portfolio reporting.
- Financial reporting and plant and machinery: audit-ready valuations of assets and equipment.
See Darius’s profile for examples →
How the process works
- Request a written fee quotation, stating the property type, location and purpose of the valuation.
- Gather your documents: title deed, site plan, and lease agreements if the property is tenanted.
- Site inspection: the valuer attends, measures and photographs the improvements.
- Report issued within a few working days, with market value and replacement cost where relevant.
- Submit to your bank, insurer, executor or BURS, and diarise the 12-month validity window.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a property valuation take in Gaborone?The site inspection of a standard residential property usually takes under an hour. The written report follows within a few working days, and urgent reports can be arranged. Mention your deadline when you request a quote.
Will Botswana banks accept the report?
Yes, provided the valuer is licensed and registered, so check that first (see above).How long is a valuation report valid?
Generally 12 months, after which banks and insurers typically require a fresh report. For a bond application, confirm your bank’s specific requirement before commissioning the report.
Yes, provided the valuer is licensed and registered, so check that first (see above).How long is a valuation report valid?
Generally 12 months, after which banks and insurers typically require a fresh report. For a bond application, confirm your bank’s specific requirement before commissioning the report.
What documents do I need?
Typically your title deed, site plan, and any lease agreements if the property is tenanted. Commercial properties may need additional financial documents. We confirm the exact list when you enquire.
Typically your title deed, site plan, and any lease agreements if the property is tenanted. Commercial properties may need additional financial documents. We confirm the exact list when you enquire.
Do you value property outside Gaborone?
Yes. We inspect anywhere in Botswana, including Francistown, Maun, Palapye, Serowe, Lobatse and Kasane, as well as rural and tribal land. The standard of report is the same.
Yes. We inspect anywhere in Botswana, including Francistown, Maun, Palapye, Serowe, Lobatse and Kasane, as well as rural and tribal land. The standard of report is the same.