Office of the Valuer General

An independent office that determines disputes about the value of land.

About the Office

The Office of the Valuer General (OVG) is a statutory body under the Judicial Service Commission.

The Valuer General exercises quasi-judicial functions. Where parties cannot agree on land rent, a lease premium, the terms of an extension, property tax, compensation or the value of improvements to land, the office hears the matter and issues a determination. It also hears and determines applications relating to lease forfeiture and questions of lease interpretation.

Separately, the office safeguards the standard of valuation practice in Vanuatu. It registers land valuers and runs continuing professional development, so that valuations relied on by government, business and landholders are prepared to a consistent professional standard.

What we do

Hear appeals and issue determinations on land rent, premiums, compensation and land value
Determine lease forfeiture and lease interpretation matters
Register land valuers
Deliver continuing professional development for registered valuers

Our mission

To ensure the integrity of valuation of land in Vanuatu.
To resolve disputes relating to land rentals and values.
To determine disputes relating to provisions of lease agreements and the Land Leases Act.
The Valuer General is to oversee that registered valuers and government valuers comply with the Valuers Code of Professional Practice.
Collect reliable statistical data on land development and property market trends to valuers and other stakeholders.
Conduct training/awareness in respect to land rentals in terms and lease conditions.

Legislation

The OVG was established by the Valuation of Land Act No. 22 of 2002. Its role and function are stipulated under the Act and:

Acts

Valuation of Land Act No. 22 of 2002
Land Valuers Registration Act No. 23 of 2002
Land Leases (Amended) Act 163
Land Acquisition Act No. 5 of 1992

Need a valuation certificate?

This office reviews and determines valuation disputes. If you need a valuation certificate to complete a lease transaction, apply through Land Valuation, Department of Lands.