Updated August 2026· Independently researched·8 min read
A quantity surveyor's tax depreciation schedule costs $600–$1,000 for a full-inspection residential report in Canberra in 2026, $400–$550 desktop, and $1,300–$4,500+ for commercial property; insurance valuations run $550–$1,300 and construction cost plans $1,650–$6,500+.
A quantity surveyor measures and costs buildings. For most property owners in Canberra that means a tax depreciation schedule for an investment property, an insurance replacement-cost report, or a construction cost plan.
Quick answerA quantity surveyor's tax depreciation schedule costs $600–$1,000 for a full-inspection residential report in Canberra in 2026, $400–$550 desktop, and $1,300–$4,500+ for commercial property; insurance valuations run $550–$1,300 and construction cost plans $1,650–$6,500+. Get free Canberra quotes →
Detailed Pricing — Canberra 2026
+2.5%
Tier
Typical fee
What it funds
Desktop / self-assessed depreciation schedule
$350–$500
No site visit. Suits newer builds with documented costs.
Full-inspection residential schedule
$550–$900
QS inspects and itemises Division 40 and 43 assets. Lasts 40 years, fee is deductible.
Commercial / mixed-use schedule
$1,200–$4,000+
Offices, retail, industrial. Priced on floor area and fit-out complexity.
Insurance replacement-cost report
$500–$1,200
Rebuild valuation for strata or owner insurance.
Cost plan / sinking fund / DA cost report
$1,500–$6,000+
Construction estimating for developers, strata committees and council submissions.
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Desktop vs inspection. A desktop schedule uses plans and photos; a full-inspection schedule sends a QS to site and finds more.
Property type. Residential is a fixed-price product; commercial and mixed-use is priced on floor area and fit-out.
Age and renovation history. Older properties with undocumented renovations take longer to assess.
Report type. A depreciation schedule, an insurance valuation and a DA cost plan are different products at different price points.
Location. Regional travel adds to inspection-based reports.
How to keep the cost sane
1
Order before 30 June so the first claim lands in this financial year.
2
Ask whether a desktop schedule is enough for a newer build with documented costs.
3
Bundle an insurance valuation with the inspection if you need both; one site visit.
4
Claim the fee: The report cost is 100% deductible in the year you pay it.
5
Keep the schedule: It's a one-off that your accountant uses for 40 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a depreciation schedule cost in Canberra?
A full-inspection residential schedule is typically $550–$900, a desktop schedule $350–$500, and commercial property $1,200–$4,000+ depending on size.
Is the quantity surveyor's fee tax deductible?
Yes. The cost of preparing a depreciation schedule is fully deductible in the year it's paid.
How long does a depreciation schedule last?
The report covers the remaining life of the building allowance, up to 40 years. You order it once.
Can my accountant prepare a depreciation schedule?
Not usually. The ATO requires construction costs to be estimated by a qualified quantity surveyor where actual costs aren't known.
What changed in May 2017?
Second-hand plant and equipment in residential properties bought after 9 May 2017 generally can't be depreciated. Capital works on the building itself still can.
What's an insurance replacement-cost report?
A QS valuation of what it would cost to rebuild the property today, used to set strata or owner insurance sums and avoid under-insurance.
Our Methodology
Prices on this page are compiled from publicly available cost guides, leading tradie marketplaces, peak industry body data, and individual tradesperson websites across Australia. We cross-reference ranges from multiple sources and adjust for city-specific cost differences based on advertised rates, salary data, and cost-of-living indicators. Our price guides are produced independently. Pricing is compiled from public quotes, industry rate guides, and marketplace data, and no tradesperson can influence a published figure. All prices are estimates and will vary based on your specific job. Always get multiple quotes. Last reviewed August 2026. Read our full methodology →