How to Use Valuations to Scale Your Property Portfolio

The Secret Weapon of Successful Property Investors? Strategic Valuations

Imagine you had $43,000 sitting inside your property and you didn’t know it? For many investors, there may be a lump sum of equity just waiting to be used for the next property.

In this episode of the Australian Property Investment Podcast, Aaron is joined by Atelier Wealth brokers Damien Walker and Nate Condie to pull back the curtain on one of the most underused—but high-impact—tools in an investor’s toolkit: property valuations.

If your goal is to scale your property portfolio in 2025, don’t overlook the power of valuations. Watch the full episode here.

The Three Pillars of Scaling: Borrowing, Equity, and Cash Flow

The foundation of property investing rests on the following three pillars:

  • Borrowing capacity – How much the bank will lend you
  • Available equity – The useable value stored in your property
  • Cash flow – Your day-to-day ability to hold your assets

Neglect any one of these and your portfolio hits a wall. In this episode, the team zoom in on equity and how valuations directly impact your ability to keep buying.

Why the Valuation You Get Isn’t Always the Valuation You Deserve

Don’t settle for the first valuation you get: different banks give vastly different valuations for the same property. One example? Two valuations done within the same week showed a staggering $43K difference.

The lesson: not all valuations are created equal.

Smart investors and brokers shop around—not just for rates—but for the right valuation that allows them to tap equity and take action.

Know the Types of Valuations (And When to Use Each One)

There are multiple different ways a bank can conduct a property valuation:

  • AVM (Automated Valuation Model): Processed in seconds, but no less valid when it comes to getting a loan
  • Desktop Valuation: Still remote, but may take a few hours as paperwork must be processed manually
  • Kerbside: A drive-by valuation, where the valuer inspects from the outside
  • Full Valuation: A full inspection, often free with the bigger banks, but can come with a fee from the small and mid-tier

Each type serves a purpose depending on your lending strategy, loan size, and LVR (Loan-to-Value Ratio). It is essential to have a broker who knows how to push for the valuation type that benefits you most.

Why Bank Policy Is Just as Important as Valuation Price

Not every bank lets you cash out equity the same way. Certain banks allow for higher usable equity—especially when investors can demonstrate a strategic purpose (e.g. buying again).

Some lenders may use tighter policies that restrict how much of that equity is accessible. Others are more generous with equity release if they trust your financial position.

Aaron’s tip: “This is where most brokers miss the mark. They look for the lowest rate, not the highest strategic outcome.”

Why Most Brokers Only Use 4–6 Lenders (And Why That’s a Problem)

Here’s a stat that might shock you: most brokers only ever use about four to six lenders. This is “lazy broking”—not malicious, but often due to lack of knowledge or comfort zones.

Top brokers—like Aaron, Damien, and Nate—leverage relationships across 20+ lenders. That’s how they can get full valuations done, push for the best cash-out terms, and unlock growth for investors.

Why 2025 Is a Golden Window for Buying

2025 will be a buyer’s market. Valuations are stabilising, rates are likely to soften, and equity release strategies are becoming more viable. Investors who get their ducks in a row now—especially around equity and team selection—will be in prime position.

Aaron reminds listeners: “Property rewards action takers and decision makers.”

Final Word: Be the CEO of Your Property Team

One of the most powerful takeaways? You’re not just an investor—you’re the CEO of your property business.
Surround yourself with experts who can:

  • Strategically stretch valuations
  • Understand lender policy nuance
  • Unlock equity with precision
  • Help you keep buying while others stall

Atelier Wealth don’t just offer good advice—they build portfolios.

Ready to Scale Smarter?

If you’re serious about using valuations to scale in 2025, work with brokers who understand the full picture. Don’t settle for a generic loan. Build a custom blueprint for your property future.

➡️ Want in? Connect with Aaron at Atelier Wealth or listen to the full episode now.