An evaluation of factors causing variance in property assessment

Abstract

Most of the previous studies on causes of valuation variance have concentrated on non-statutory valuation, with little attention to statutory valuation in both developed and developing countries, leaving a gap in the body of knowledge in this regard. Purposive sampling was adopted to select samples from registered estate surveyors and valuers in Kwara State, Nigeria. The data collection was done through a survey questionnaire given to 33 valuers and the Relative Importance Index (RII) was used to analyse the data collected. Findings showed that factors that fell within the range index of significant factors (0.841 to 0.979) are: experience in rating valuation, comprehensiveness of the law, unrealistic valuation assumption and availability of market indices for the input variables. Other significant factors are explicitness of the law, integrity of the valuer, valuer negligence, absence of quality control and training in rating valuation. The findings have practical implications on rating valuation stakeholders.