Mau v Valuer-General

In the case of Mau v Valuer-General, the applicant sought to challenge a valuation of residential property undertaken by the Valuer-General. The dispute centred around the methodology used by the Valuer-General in determining the rate per square metre for the property. The matter was heard in the Land Court of New South Wales. The primary legal issue before the court was whether the Valuer-General's methodology for determining the rate per square metre was appropriate. The applicant argued that the Valuer-General had failed to use relevant sales as best evidence and had not appropriately considered the impact of the valuation on local government rates. The Valuer-General contended that the methodology was appropriate and that the impact on local government rates was not a matter the Land Court could consider.

The court found that while the use of relevant sales as best evidence was an appropriate consideration, it was not determinative of the valuation. The court held that the Valuer-General's methodology was appropriate, as it took into account a range of factors relevant to the valuation of the property. The court further found that the impact on local government rates was not a matter that the Land Court could consider when determining the appropriate valuation of the property. The court concluded that the Valuer-General's valuation was not unreasonable and dismissed the application. The court held that the onus was on the applicant to demonstrate that the valuation was incorrect, which they had failed to do.