Guidance value is an official benchmark. Market value is the price the market may support. They can be close, or very different.
What guidance value means
Guidance value is a government-notified benchmark used in the registration and stamp-duty framework. The applicable figure can depend on the exact location, property type, use and other classifications.
What market value means
Market value reflects what a willing buyer and seller may agree for a specific property under current conditions. It contains factors that a broad benchmark may not capture.
| Guidance value | Market value |
|---|---|
| Official benchmark | Negotiated or assessed market price |
| Published by government | Emerges from transactions and demand |
| Used in statutory calculations | Used in pricing and valuation decisions |
| Can lag or differ from a specific deal | Can vary property by property |
Why the difference matters
Registration charges are governed by current law and official values, not by a convenient number in a sales conversation. Ask for a written cost calculation tied to the actual property and transaction date.