Valuation Division

Ministry of Land and Legal Affairs

The Valuation Division operates under the Valuation of Land Act, Chapter 58:03, which establishes the office of the Commissioner of Valuations. The Commissioner is responsible for the general administration of the Act and for conducting valuations of every parcel of land in Trinidad and Tobago, including buildings, plant and machinery.

Legislative Framework

The Valuation of Land Act was amended by Act No. 17 of 2009, empowering the Commissioner of Valuations to assess properties using an Annual Rental Value (ARV) system and validating the use of this system for property valuations between 1970 and 2009. Prior to this amendment, valuations were conducted using a site valuation system.

Further amendments were introduced through Acts No. 5 of 2018 and No. 21 of 2022, which, among other provisions, established a Valuation Tribunal and required certain State agencies to provide relevant information to the Commissioner of Valuations to support the valuation process.

Professional Standards

Valuation surveying is a specialised profession within the Built Environment sector. In Trinidad and Tobago, the Institute of Surveyors of Trinidad and Tobago represents the three major categories of surveyors within this sector: Land Surveyors, Quantity Surveyors and Valuation Surveyors.

All professional staff within the Valuation Division are members of the Institute and adhere to internationally recognised standards established by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, in addition to the professional guidelines set by the Institute of Surveyors of Trinidad and Tobago.

Role of the Commissioner of Valuations

The Commissioner of Valuations is responsible for the overall management and supervision of the Valuation Division. The role includes developing strategic plans and formulating, implementing and monitoring policies relating to the valuation of lands and properties across Trinidad and Tobago.

Key Responsibilities

  • Administering the Valuation of Land Act
  • Preparing and maintaining the Valuation Roll
  • Conducting revisions of the Valuation Roll every five years
  • Planning and directing the work of the Valuation Division

Services & Support

  • Compulsory land acquisition
  • Private treaty purchases
  • Property taxation
  • Rental assessments & Asset valuations
  • Stamp duty & Estate duty matters
  • State land leases

The Commissioner also provides valuation services and professional advice to Government and State agencies on all classes of property, including residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural properties. Additionally, the Commissioner negotiates property values on behalf of the Government and its agencies.

In the execution of these duties, the Commissioner may also:

  • Brief legal counsel and prepare proofs of evidence
  • Provide expert testimony in court proceedings related to property valuation
  • Serve on committees addressing issues such as property taxation, estate management, land reclamation, state land administration, local government reform and land use.

Through these functions, the Commissioner of Valuations provides independent and professional advice to Government, policy-makers and the public, who remain key stakeholders in the management and valuation of Trinidad and Tobago’s real estate resources.

For more information on the Valuation Division, please visit: https://valuationdivision.gov.tt