diff --git a/modules/juce_data_structures/values/juce_ValueWithDefault.h b/modules/juce_data_structures/values/juce_ValueWithDefault.h
index e2c1c66096..a74ab4681c 100644
--- a/modules/juce_data_structures/values/juce_ValueWithDefault.h
+++ b/modules/juce_data_structures/values/juce_ValueWithDefault.h
@@ -124,7 +124,7 @@ public:
     /** Returns true if the property does not exist or is empty. */
     bool isUsingDefault() const
     {
-        return ! targetTree.hasProperty (targetProperty) || targetTree.getProperty (targetProperty) == var();
+        return ! targetTree.hasProperty (targetProperty) || targetTree.getProperty (targetProperty).toString().isEmpty();
     }
 
     /** Removes the property from the referenced ValueTree. */