Interchase Corporation Ltd (in liq) v Grosvenor Hill (Qld) Pty Ltd (No 3)

Interchase Corporation Limited (in liquidation) sought damages against Grosvenor Hill (Qld) Pty Ltd for alleged negligence in the conduct of property valuations. The case was heard in the Supreme Court of Queensland. The primary issue was whether the valuers could be held liable for negligence given that they were not parties to the contract and the price was determined by the average of two valuations. Additionally, the court had to determine whether the plaintiff's conduct contributed to the resulting loss and if the damages awarded were excessive.

The court held that valuers could indeed be held liable for negligence if they owed a duty of care to the plaintiff and breached that duty, resulting in foreseeable damages. The court found that the valuers did owe a duty of care, given the reliance placed on their valuations. Regarding contributory negligence, the court found that the plaintiff's actions did not significantly contribute to the loss. Concerning the damages, the court found the assessment to be appropriate. The trial judge's calculation of interest was also deemed correct.

The appeals against the judgments were dismissed with costs, including reserved costs, affirming the original findings of the trial judge. The Supreme Court concluded that the valuers were liable for negligence, the plaintiff's contributory negligence was minimal, and the damages and interest were appropriately assessed.