Victorian Statutory Revaluation Valuer-General Victoria and Municipal Group of Valuers Guidelines on Valuation Methodology for Shopping Centres Introduction These guidelines are to be used when valuing shopping centres for rating and taxation purposes. The guidelines need to be used in conjunction with the General Provisions for Specialist Guidelines, which refers to the general requirements, legislation and procedures relating to all statutory valuations. Definition The following shopping centre classifications are adopted in accordance with the Property Council of Australia Shopping Centre Directory: Super Regional (e.g. Chadstone the Fashion Capital, Westfield Southland) two full-line department stores one or more full-line discount department stores two supermarkets around 250 specialty shops total gross lettable area retail exceeds 85,000 square metres Major Regional (e.g. Eastland Shopping Centre, Watergardens Town Centre) at least one full-line department store one or more full-line discount department stores one or more supermarkets around 150 specialty shops total gross lettable area retail generally between 50,000 and 85,000 square metres Regional (e.g. Chirnside Park Shopping Centre, Parkmore Shopping Centre) one full-line department store a full-line discount department store one or more supermarkets around 100 or more specialty shops total gross lettable area retail generally between 30,000 and 50,000 square metres Sub-regional (e.g. Centro Mornington, Centro Brandon Park) at least one full-line discount department store a major supermarket around 40 or more specialty shops total gross lettable area retail generally between 10,000 and 30,000 square metres Neighbourhood (e.g. Bayside City Plaza, Dandenong Hub Arcade, Sunbury Terrace Shopping Centre) a supermarket around 35 specialty shops total gross lettable area retail generally less than 10,000 square metres Bulky Goods (e.g. Geelong Home Maker Centre, Homemaker City Epping) generally located adjacent to large regional centres or in non-traditional retail locations purpose-designed, built and operated Guidelines on Valuation Methodology for Shopping Centres – August 2011 Page 1 of 17 Victorian Statutory Revaluation total gross lettable area retail generally greater than 5,000 square metres Guidelines on Valuation Methodology for Shopping Centres – August 2011 Page 2 of 17 Victorian Statutory Revaluation Other definitions and industry terms Capital expenditure Those items that are significant replacements or additions to existing properties or for new developments, as distinguished from cash outflows for expense items that are normally considered part of the current period’s operations. Capital expenditure does not include general maintenance and repair items. Examples include replacement of lifts, escalators, air-conditioning, or roofing. Casual tenant Tenancies that do not have tenure and are usually portable or readily movable. Incentives Incentives are enticements offered to tenants to sign a lease. Incentives may be provided in the form of a fit-out, cash or rent-free. Amortisation is appropriate over the length of the lease in order to analyse a net effective rent. However, be aware that market/trust valuations that are applying the passing rent may make a deduction for incentives on a lump sum basis. Management fees A management fee is a periodic payment paid to a person or company for the day-to-day management of a building occupied by a tenant or tenants. While management fees generally don’t include leasing fees, some shopping centres do include them; therefore, investigation is required to ascertain what management fees entail so that ‘double dipping’ doesn’t occur. The recovery of management fees can depend on who the tenant is and the structure of the lease. Outgoings According to the Retail Leases Act 2003 the definition of outgoings as contained in Section 3 means a landlord's outgoings on account of any of the following. (a) The expenses directly attributable to the operation, maintenance or repair of: (i) (ii) the building in which the retail premises are located or any other building or area owned by the landlord and used in association with the building in which the retail premises are located; or in the case of retail premises in a retail shopping centre, any building in the centre or any areas used in association with a building in the centre. (b) Rates, taxes, levies, premiums or charges payable by the landlord because the landlord is: (i) (ii) the owner or occupier of a building referred to in paragraph (a) or of the land on which such a building is erected; or the supplier of a taxable supply, within the meaning of the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 of the Commonwealth, in respect of any such building or land. Outgoings are collected from lessees to varying extents. The rent is either net, gross or semi– gross, depending on the amount of outgoings recovered. Guidelines on Valuation Methodology for Shopping Centres – August 2011 Page 3 of 17 Victorian Statutory Revaluation The base formula is: Outgoings = recoverable outgoings (recovered + under-recovered outgoings) + nonrecoverable outgoings Recoverable outgoings Recoverable outgoings are expenditures paid in connection with operating a property, which are properly charged to tenants in accordance with the lease. In accordance with the Retail Leases Act 2003, the form of disclosure statement prescribed for the purposes of Sections 17(1)(a), 26(1), 61(5) and 61(5A) of the Act is in Schedule 1 Retail Leases Regulations 2003. An example of the information specified in relation to outgoings is as follows: Administration administration costs (excluding management fees and wages) audit fees management fees Air conditioning/temperature control air conditioning maintenance air conditioning operating costs Building/centre management owners corporation/strata levies building intelligence services customer traffic flow services energy management services gardening and landscaping insurance pest control ventilation Building/centre security caretaking emergency systems fire levy fire protection security services Cleaning cleaning consumables cleaning costs (excluding consumables) Communications post boxes public telephones Customer facilities car parking child minding escalators lifts uniforms Guidelines on Valuation Methodology for Shopping Centres – August 2011 Page 4 of 17 Victorian Statutory Revaluation Customer information services information directories public address/music signage Government rates and charges local government rates and charges water, sewerage and drainage rates and charges (Note: under Section 50 of the Retail Leases Act 2003, the landlord may not claim land tax as an outgoing) Utility services electricity gas oil water Waste management sewerage disposal waste collection and disposal Other Costs advertising and promotional costs Recovered outgoings Outgoings that the centre is legally entitled to recover, and does recover from the lessee. Under-recovered outgoings Outgoings which the centre is legally entitled to recover, but chooses (either voluntarily or by market forces) to not recover. Non-recoverable outgoings The expenditures paid in connection with operating a property, which are prohibited from being recovered under legislation such as the Retail Leases Act 2003. Examples may include, audit fees, legal fees, consultancy fees, company contributions marketing, Internet maintenance fees and bank charges. Promotion Promotion is the contribution by the owner and/or tenant to promote the shopping centre. Any contribution by a tenant must be held in a separate account (therefore not part of the centre income) and spent for promotion; therefore, there is no income ‘gain’ to the owner. These should not be included within the outgoings recovered calculation and the owner’s contribution is classified as a non–recoverable expense. Rebate A rebate is a return or refund of an amount of money already paid, usually in retail due to a tenant’s below expected turnover and/or inability to pay due to some form of hardship that causes the rebate to be applied. A rebate applied to tenants that specifically pertains to a new shopping centre can also be referred to a stabilising allowance. Guidelines on Valuation Methodology for Shopping Centres – August 2011 Page 5 of 17 Victorian Statutory Revaluation Vacancy allowance A vacancy allowance is based on the percentage of lettable area that is not occupied or rented, or has a perpetual risk of vacancy. In relation to income, a projected vacancy rate is used to estimate the vacancy allowance, which is deducted from potential gross/net income to derive effective gross/net income. Notes: Land tax cannot be recovered from tenancies subject to the Retail Leases Act 2003. The provisions of the Retail Leases Act 2003 do not apply to all retail premises. Outgoing unit rates ($ per m2) may vary according to various factors – tenancy type/shop area etc. The average rate per centre will increase with the centre’s size/category (i.e. higher for regional than neighbourhood). The Property Council of Australia publishes benchmarks for operating costs on a state basis that includes statutory charges, operating expenses and recoverable expenses. The level of recoverable outgoings per tenancy will vary subject to the ability for each party to negotiate and a centre’s willingness to have the tenant in its centre. In determining estimated annual value no deduction is to be made for depreciation or sinking fund contributions. All non-recoverable outgoings must be treated on a case-by-case basis (i.e. each shop individually). Vacancy allowances usually run off the income of speciality shops. Capital expenditure can be categorised into two sub-categories: o capital expenditure that in turn will generate income (for example the reconfiguration of retail areas); or o capital expenditure that doesn’t automatically generate additional income (e.g. an air conditioning upgrade) – although it may impact on overall returns by reducing operating costs plus depreciation benefits. Guidelines on Valuation Methodology for Shopping Centres – August 2011 Page 6 of 17 Victorian Statutory Revaluation Additional Victorian legislation and cases applicable to shopping centres The following Act and regulations are also relevant to this topic: Retail Leases Act 2003 Retail Leases Regulations 2003 Court cases: The following are some of the court cases applicable to shopping centre valuations: Each case has the catchwords sourced from the cited case. Challenger Property Asset Management Pty Ltd & Anor v Stonnington City Council & Anor [2011] VSC 184 VALUATION OF LAND – Meaning of “site value” – Meaning of “capital improved value” and whether “vacant to let” deduction required – “highest and best use” – Falconer principle – sales of other properties and their relevance as comparable sales or on other bases – Valuation of Land Act 1960 (Vic). REAL PROPERTY – Meaning of fee simple in possession – “Whether lease an encumbrance”. Perpetual Trustee Co Ltd and Anor v Valuer-General, Trust Company of Australia Ltd and Anor v Valuer-General (2006) Supreme Court of South Australia REAL PROPERTY – VALUATION OF LAND – STATUTORY VALUES – CAPITAL VALUE Appeal against assessment by Valuer-General of the capital value of land – definition of "capital value" – meaning of "unencumbered" – whether allowance must be made for a let-up period in determining "capital value". ISPT Pty Ltd v City of Melbourne and Valuer-General Victoria [2008] VSCA 180 VALUATION OF LAND – Application for leave to appeal decision of Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal – Role of the Tribunal – Whether expert tribunal – Whether Tribunal pieced together own valuation. VALUATION OF LAND – Highest and best use – Whether single precise use or combination of uses. VALUATION OF LAND – Comparable sales – Improved and unimproved sales – Vacant land sales – Weight to be given to valuer’s evidence. Mirvac Funds Ltd v Moonee Valley City Council and Valuer-General Victoria VCAT 15 September 2009 Compensation for compulsory acquisition of part of land – Before and after value – Pointe Gourde principle – Hypothetical zoning – Hypothetical availability of services – Highest and best use – Comparable sales – Enhancement – Severance – Expert evidence – Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986, ss.40, 41, 43 Shell Co of Australia Ltd and Number One Spring Street Pty Ltd v City of Melbourne [1997] 2 VR 615 LOCAL GOVERNMENT – Rating of land – Under local government legislation – City of Melbourne – Whether return necessary – Valuation made before but rate declared after 1 October 1992 – What Act applicable to such valuation – "Returned to take effect" – Act no 178 s42; s43 – Local Government Act 1958 s254; s255; s258; s262 – Local Government Act 1989 s157(1) s160 – Valuation of Land Act 1960 s2(1) & Part II Div 3A – Valuation of Land (Amendment) Act 1989 s4(1) Guidelines on Valuation Methodology for Shopping Centres – August 2011 Page 7 of 17 Victorian Statutory Revaluation PROPERTY LAW – Valuation of land – Statutory values – Net annual value – Estimated annual value – Whether land tax profit on services or allowance for depreciation deductible – Premium quality office tower – "Usual tenants rates and taxes" – "Probable average annual cost of .... expenses" – Land Tax Act 1958 s6; s8(1); s42 Valuation of Land Act 1960 s2(1) PROPERTY LAW – Valuation of land – Statutory values – Capital improved value – "Unencumbered by any lease" – Valuation of Land Act 1960 s2(1) 101 Collins Street v City of Melbourne (1995) 87 LGERA 207 PROPERTY LAW – Valuation of land – For rating purposes – Misapprehension by judge of valuer's evidence – Whether finding made once misapprehension corrected open on evidence as a whole – Question of law – Valuation of Land Act 1960, s47(4) Other relevant material: o o o o o o Property Council of Australia Benchmarks Retail VIC 2010 Property Council of Australia Shopping Centre Directory VIC/TAS 2010 These publications are available on the Property Council of Australia website, www.propertyoz.com.au/Vic >>Bookshop Urbis Shopping Centre Investment Reviews www.urbis.com.au Small Business Commissioner – Guidelines to the Retail Leases Act www.sbc.vic.gov.au/media-and-publications Shopping Centre News - http://shoppingcentrenews.com.au/ Australian Bulky Goods Directory – www.deependservices.com.au Guidelines on Valuation Methodology for Shopping Centres – August 2011 Page 8 of 17 Victorian Statutory Revaluation Identification of properties Australian Valuation Property Classification Codes (AVPCC) To appropriately categorise shopping centres in a municipality refer to the Australian Valuation Property Classification Codes (AVPCC) available at www.dse.vic.gov.au/valuation. The following codes apply to shopping centres: Shopping Centre (AVPCC 213) Unspecified – 213.1 Super Regional – 213.2 Major Regional – 213.3 Regional – 213.4 Sub-Regional – 213.5 Neighbourhood – 213.6 Guidelines on Valuation Methodology for Shopping Centres – August 2011 Page 9 of 17 Victorian Statutory Revaluation Rental questionnaire and property information – specific requirements applicable to shopping centres In addition to the general requirements for rental information, the following is a guide to the specific information required for shopping centres. 1. Shopping centre plans/maps – shop numbers and areas (in addition to the tenancy schedule) on plans would be very useful. 2. Tenancy schedule – Sample tenancy schedule information Trading name Floor level Unit number Shop number Lease area (m2) Lease commencement date Lease expiry date Term of lease Lease type Next review date Method review Lease options Base rent per annum Base rent PSM (pa) Actual turnover Percentage turnover/rent Outgoings per annum Outgoings PSM (pa) Gross rent per annum Gross rent PSM (pa) Rent free period Incentives Rebate Fit out provisions Comments 3. Recoverable outgoings that relate to tenancy schedule provided. 4. Outgoings – audited and budgeted statement of outgoings including recoverable and non recoverable outgoings. This should also include owner’s contribution to promotion. 5. Incentives – incentives for transactions performed in the last 12 months and schedule of rent rebates. 6. Capital expenditure – summary of anticipated capital expenditure (per line item) for the next 12 months and any anticipated lifecycle expenditure. Guidelines on Valuation Methodology for Shopping Centres – August 2011 Page 10 of 17 Victorian Statutory Revaluation 7. Land information o o o o Title details Does the site contain landfill? Is the site affected by contamination?* What site works have been undertaken by the current owner in the past 15 years (please provide details per line item)?* Yes No Yes No If Yes, provide details and supportive documentation. _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ * Note: it is essential if a property has either contamination or site works, then detailed documentation must be provided that can verify contamination (such as a service station) and/or site works undertaken by the owner or occupier or at that person’s expense in the past 15 years. Moving Annual Turnover (MAT) details In order to accurately assess the required individual and total centre statutory valuation assessments, we must have regard to the centre’s and individual tenant’s MAT details. Please provide the centre’s and all tenants’ MAT figures for the past two-year period. Additional information including the centre’s MATs per quarter or biannually would be advantageous. Please indicate if the MAT is inclusive or exclusive of GST. Note: overall centre turnover is often available and this, when compared to passing net rental, will provide guidance on occupancy costs and relative performance of a centre. Valuations for financial reporting Please provide a copy of current asset valuation/s on the shopping centre. Other details considered relevant Please include other details (in addition to the above) that you believe may affect the statutory values of the property or properties. Guidelines on Valuation Methodology for Shopping Centres – August 2011 Page 11 of 17 Victorian Statutory Revaluation Property inspection – specific requirements applicable to shopping centres 1. Documents to be sighted. Request title search and confirm land area with title. Determine if any Section 173 agreements, covenants, planning permit conditions etc. are registered on the title. It is highly advisable that the valuer confirms with the council’s planning department whether any new agreements have been reached or are under negotiation with the centre, and what maximum permissible floor area is allowed for site. 2. Inspect shopping centre Check current tenant against the tenancy schedule to confirm that actual tenancy at the shopping centre correlates to the tenancy schedule and ascertain any anomalies. Check the relative tenancy areas and locations are as per the schedule. Note anything that may impact on the valuation such as the physical location of shops. For example, if the shop is located in a ‘blind spot’ within the centre the lines of site may need to be established or there may have been a change of occupancy. Take note of the general condition of the building and car parking area in the context of whether or not significant maintenance is likely to be required in the foreseeable future. Guidelines on Valuation Methodology for Shopping Centres – August 2011 Page 12 of 17 Victorian Statutory Revaluation Methodology Site value SV methodology The primary approach is to apply a rate per square metre of site area. As a check method the rate per square metre of permitted gross leasable area (GLA) can be used, provided the permitted gross leasable area is an actual area known at the time and is not an assumed or estimated area. The primary evidence to use is that of comparable vacant land sales. Although a useful indicator the rate per square metre of permitted GLA ought to be treated with caution. Use of this measure for a site comprising multiple uses (e.g. mixed use – retail, commercial and residential) may be less reliable, as was demonstrated in the Jam Factory decision. The site value of a parcel with or without a planning permit should be valued on the basis of highest and best use including consideration for the current use of the property, assuming a permit would be granted for the development given the existing zoning and planning controls. If the site has a Section 173 agreement registered on title, then the valuer needs to assess what impact the agreement has on the highest and best use of the site. If the Section 173 agreement is subject to the current use then the agreement needs to be assessed in relation to the highest and best use of the land. Site value analysis Valuers should undertake a comprehensive analysis of similar zoned land and/or land suitable to be developed as a shopping centre. In accordance with the ISPT Pty Ltd decision, sales evidence need not be confined to a single highest and best use. Evidence should be broadened to include sales in other municipalities, if applicable. Factors such as size, zoning, planning controls, demographics, permitted GLA and any existing permits should be considered. All sales should be analysed on a rate per square metre of site area (after making adjustment for surplus land) and/or a rate per square metre of permitted GLA (if known). If the permitted GLA is not known or provided at the time of the sale, this method should not be relied upon. Sometimes the defined GLA in the relevant planning controls does not equal the actual GLA on the site or the maximum potential GLA. This may be due to the planning scheme or planning controls only stipulating retail space. Capital improved value CIV methodology The primary approach used is capitalisation of market rent. The primary evidence to use is that of comparable rents and sales of comparable properties analysed by category to indicate appropriate market rentals and capitalisation rates. Unencumbered freehold In order to assist valuers in assessing capital improved value, the six relevant considerations identified by Croft J in – Challenger Property Asset Management Pty Ltd v Stonnington City Council & Anor [2011] VSC 2011have been elaborated in the following way: Guidelines on Valuation Methodology for Shopping Centres – August 2011 Page 13 of 17 Victorian Statutory Revaluation The comments in italics prefixed by the words ‘Practical Note’ are comments in this guidance note only and do not form part of the judgement. a) [T]he value of the land is to be assessed by reference to a hypothetical sale of a fee simple interest in the land and on the basis that the fee simple interest is not affected by the actual lease; Practical Note – The valuer is assessing the value of a hypothetical fee simple estate, rather than the actual. If the actual estate is subject to a lease, the existing lease is ignored. Therefore the interest valued is unrestricted and the valuation of the ‘full bundle of rights’ is undertaken according to market. b) [T]he hypothetical sale should assume the actual physical state of the land; Practical Note – The assessment is undertaken on the existing physical state of the land at the date the valuation is returned. The usual valuation considerations in determining the value of the land such as location, condition, size, shape, topography etc. should be taken into consideration. c) [T]he hypothetical sale should assume the occupation of the land; Practical Note – The valuer should should have regard to the fact that the land is occupied at the date the valuation is returned. The existing tenants can be regarded to still be in occupation and the centre in operation with businesses trading with fit out and fittings in place. d) [T]he hypothetical sale should take into account the likely future occupation of the land; Practical Note - The valuer should have regard to the existing occupancy profile as well as any variation to the occupancy profile. The highest and best use of the land should be ascertained in accordance with the usual valuation considerations such as zoning, planning controls etc. e) [T]he hypothetical sale should assume that the occupation of the land is at market rates; and Practical Note - The valuer should have regard to the terms and conditions one would expect the market to provide for the land when compared with similar land. This means that the valuer should assess a market rental in line with prevailing market lease terms and conditions. The valuer can have regard to comparable evidence including new lettings, options, rent reviews and passing rents. f) [T]he rentals being paid under actual leases are likely to be a guide to actual market rates for occupation. Practical Note - The valuer should have regard to the actual rentals, lease terms and conditions in the pool of evidence. If necessary, the valuer can exercise expertise and judgment in adjusting passing rents to be in line with analysed market levels. As a result of the decision by Croft J and the considerations above there is no allowance made to the capitalisation rate adopted for vacant to-let allowances on the premise that there are no leases in place. Guidelines on Valuation Methodology for Shopping Centres – August 2011 Page 14 of 17 Victorian Statutory Revaluation Rent analysis Valuers should take into account rental schedules and outgoings provided by centre management in order to make a determination of market rentals. The following information should be considered: a) Passing rents Conduct analysis to establish whether net or gross. Tenancy types may vary – major versus specialty. Define what method is to be adopted. If not net, must adopt gross basis. Detailed outgoing information required to accurately assess net rents where rents are either gross or part gross (information is critical for majors and mini majors). Establish passing net/gross rents per square metre. b) New lettings Conduct analysis to establish whether net or gross. Establish analysed net/gross rental levels per square metre. c) Incentives Where the owner contributes to a fit-out, provides a cash incentive or rent free period, these incentives need to be investigated and if appropriate considered in the rental analysis. In analysing incentives, note that fit-outs for different categories can differ markedly for different categories of retail, for example retail versus food court. Allow for incentives over actual lease term/min RTA term 5 years; 15 years for the majors is acceptable. Derive analysed effective net/gross rents. d) Outgoings Recoverable (comprising recovered and unrecovered). Non–recoverable. Owner’s contribution to promotional expense. Decide what outgoings are applicable. Treatment of actual and applicable outgoings per tenancy category (major/specialty etc.). Note: outgoing unit rates or apportionment applicable for various categories will more than likely vary. When reconciling the outgoings, be aware that the total outgoings on the tenancy schedule may not equate to the total audited or budgeted outgoings. However, the assessed outgoings should reconcile with the audited or budgeted outgoings as illustrated in the outgoings template. Land tax reported should be checked against the relevant site value and the current land tax rates of scale in place. e) Level charts Establish charts through analysis of benchmark market evidence and conditions. Subject centre or other comparable evidence. Establish shop categories – major/mini major/specialty/kiosk etc. Establish shop ‘location grading’ within centre – very good/good/average/ poor/outside/kiosk/ATM etc. (per level). Produce ‘rent level’ chart – including category/location (including level)/size (increments) and other value drivers (corner/shape + or -/ exposure + or -/ etc.). Produce ‘outgoing level’ chart – including category/location (inc level) /size (increments). Guidelines on Valuation Methodology for Shopping Centres – August 2011 Page 15 of 17 Victorian Statutory Revaluation Market rent In accordance with the CIV principles above, the approach is to adopt a market rent for each occupancy. The passing rentals may be used as evidence of the ability to let the premises and prevailing market conditions. Analysis of new lettings, rent reviews and inducements can be used to benchmark the passing rents and adopt a market rental. Additional information such as tenancy mix and MAT are indicators of market conditions and can be used to set market rents. Applying market rent 1. Consider a pool of prospective tenants including those in occupation. 2. Apply rent in line with analysis reflecting location, frontage, configuration, exposure, size and other factors such as tenancy mix, MAT and/or shop grading/categories. 3. This may lead to some passing rentals staying the same or being adjusted up or down. 4. Apply market rents to vacant areas.. Vacancy allowance Vacancy allowance is an allowance in the gross/net income to reflect a proportion of time when some shops are vacant. Regardless of the quality of management there will be at times some level of vacancy that affects the net income on an ongoing or perpetual basis. Such an allowance is considered appropriate. This allowance can be adopted as a percentage of the net or gross market rent. Leasing expenses can also be reflected as long as there is no doubling of the allowances in the percentage adopted. Example: A vacancy rate of 2.0 per cent or 400 square metres from a total net leasable area of 20,000 square metres is assessed as having a perpetual risk of vacancy. If this 2 per cent vacancy rate is expected to be the average through the next year, a vacancy allowance of $200,000 (adopting a market rent of $500 per square metre) should be deducted from potential rent when assessing income. Capital expenditure allowances Capital expenditure is not included under general maintenance and repair items. It is more often associated with replacement of items or alterations to the centre that enhances the centre’s income generation capability. Usually, a sinking fund is used to account for such costs. The market place usually reflects this in the analysed yield, which is usually referred to as an ‘initial yield’. An allowance for capital expenditure in CIV will have to be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and valuers should substantiate the allowance with sufficient detail and reasoning. Expenditure associated with expansion or additions are capital works and should not be reflected in the assessment. This allowance applies only to the calculation of CIV and not estimated annual value (EAV). Refer to comments below relating to EAV. Guidelines on Valuation Methodology for Shopping Centres – August 2011 Page 16 of 17 Victorian Statutory Revaluation Note: The company’s annual return is often available on the company’s website or filed with the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and it may provide a market valuation. While this valuation is not a statutory valuation and is used for a different purpose, it may provide benefits to the accuracy of your rating assessment. Estimated annual value In accordance with Section 2 of the Valuation of Land Act 1960, the EAV of any land means the rent the land might reasonably be expected to be let for from year to year (free of all usual tenants' rates and taxes) less: (a) the probable annual average cost of insurance and other expenses (if any) necessary to maintain the land in a state to command that rent (but not including the cost of rates and charges under the Local Government Act 1989); and (b) the land tax that would be payable if that land were the only land owned (single holding basis). An example of the recommended approach to calculating EAV is as follows: Assessed market rent $50,000 Add assessed recoverable outgoings $10,000 Assessed gross rent $60,000 Less allowable outgoings (Recov. $10,000 and non-recov. $5,000) $15,000 Assessed net rent $45,000 Add council rates $ 2,000 EAV $47,000 In accordance with Section (2A)(1) of the Valuation of Land Act 1960, in determining estimated annual value no deduction is to be made for: (a) any provision, allowance or notional contribution to a sinking fund for the renewal or replacement of any building, fitting, fixture or other improvement on that land; or (b) any provision or allowance or setting aside of an amount for depreciation of any building, fitting, fixture or other improvement on that land. Sales analysis In carrying out a sales analysis the first step for the valuer is to verify the sale price. The agent and/or solicitor is the point of contact to ascertain this information. The valuer should ascertain if the sale represents a 100 per cent share or a part share. The valuer should also ascertain if any other component is included in the sale price, such as any management rights. The sale should be fully analysed on the basis of market rentals. In most cases, however, limited lease details are disclosed and an analysed passing yield may be the best indicator. The valuer needs to be aware that there are different yields and terminology in the market place; for example, the market yield also known as an equivalent yield does not allow for any capital adjustments, whereas the initial yield does allow for capital adjustments. It is recommended that the template used for calculating the CIV is also used in the analysis of sales. In this way the methodology applied to analyse the sales is consistent with the methodology applied in the valuation of the subject property. That is, where allowances are made ‘below the line’ (that is after the market yield has been applied to the net income) such as for capital expenditure in the valuation, the comparable sales ought be similarly adjusted to allow comparable yield to be derived. Guidelines on Valuation Methodology for Shopping Centres – August 2011 Page 17 of 17