Private individuals might need a real estate appraisal in different situations, such as the sale and purchase of a real estate property or for wealth issues related to family law and inheritance law. In case you are uncertain whether you need an appraisal, we gladly consult you free of charge.

We prepare fair value appraisals, mortgage lending value appraisals, or rental value appraisals for all kinds of real estate properties, such as residential, commercial, logistics, and special-purpose properties.

We do not provide short assessments, as these do not meet our requirements of professional fair value appraisals.

In Germany, the function of appraiser is not legally protected. It is therefore all the more important to have the adequate knowledge to prepare appraisals. Our appraisers are certified according to DIN EN ISO/EIC 17024 and as such meet the highest international quality requirements in the field of real estate appraising. Our employees are certified by the German Real Estate Academy (DIA) as Certified Appraiser for the valuation of developed and undeveloped land, rents, and leases, and by The European Group of Valuers’ Associations (TEGoVA) as Recognised European Valuer (REV).

For the valuation of residential property our focus is on the German regions of Stuttgart and Frankfurt and their surrounding districts. For all other types of real estate, such as commercial, logistics, and special-purpose properties, we are active nationwide in Germany, but also worldwide.

Typically, we first align during a phone call. During this conversation we discuss the main points (timeline, purpose of the appraisal, type of property, etc.). We then clarify which documents are needed. Immediately after the phone call we send a written offer and commissioning form as well as a list with necessary documents. After we have been commissioned in writing, we agree on a viewing date. A viewing is normally possible in the short term. After the viewing we prepare the appraisal as quickly as we can. The time for preparing an appraisal is highly dependent on the completeness of the documents and the response time of public authorities. In most cases the completion of an appraisal does not take longer than 2 to 5 weeks.

The process for appraisals of larger projects may vary depending on the client’s needs.

The fees for preparing appraisals are dependent on the complexity, the size of the property, and the effort involved. For example, for fair market value appraisals the determined fair market value is decisive. In setting our fees for German assets, we follow the fee structure provided by the German Federal Association of Chartered and Sworn Surveyors (Bundesverbandes der öffentlich bestellten und vereidigten sowie qualifizierten Sachverständigen – BVS). For larger (international) projects, we agree on fees with the client on an individual basis. Consultancies and expert opinions are charged on an hourly rate. For each appraisal, we charge our expenses for obtaining the necessary documents (e.g., a site plan and aerial photograph) as well as the statutory value added tax.

Depending on the type of the object, a number of legal, technical, and commercial documents is needed, which can be viewed here.

We are happy to consult you on which information or documents are needed. We will gladly assist you in obtaining documents from the appropriate authorities. We will naturally return all obtained documents to you.

We treat all information that is needed in the scope of the valuation strictly confidentially. Ensuring that our IT-systems reflect the latest security requirements is of paramount importance to us. More information on this issue can be found in our privacy statement.

During the viewing, the property should ideally be fully accessible.

A valuation takes into account the condition of the property and the market at a specific point in time. Therefore, the appraisal relates to a certain reference date. Typically, the reference date is the day of the viewing, but it can also be in the past (e.g., with divorces, or inheritance and tax matters).

Unfortunately, appraisals at times include substantive or computational mistakes, and sometimes even deliberately present false figures. We gladly review a third party appraisal for you. To do so, we need the appraisal and a comprehensive set of documents related to the object, if possible. In the end, you decide whether it makes sense to dispute the appraisal or to commission a counter-appraisal.

Some credit institutions have special requirements regarding the structure of the appraisal or only accept appraisals that have been prepared by internally commissioned appraisers. We gladly align with you and your credit institution concerning this matter. We regularly work with various financial institutions.

The German law stipulates that the fair market value “is determined by the price that can be achieved at a certain reference date in the normal market place according to the legal circumstances and actual properties, the condition, and the location of the land or other object of valuation without taking into account unusual or personal circumstances” (§194 Baugesetzbuch). The German fair market value therefore represents the value at which a property can be sold in the free market at a certain period in time. We provide fair market value appraisals of developed and undeveloped land according to the German Baugesetzbuch (BauGB) and to the German Immobilienwertermittlungsverordnung (ImmoWertV).

Banks, insurance companies, and financial agents expect collateral to secure their services. Real estate properties are valued within the scope of a mortgage lending value appraisal for this purpose. Mortgage lending value appraisals serve as a basis for deciding on debt financings. The German mortgage lending value is determined according to the Beleihungswertverordnung (BelWertV), which entails strict stipulations of the German banking supervisory body. At the basis are cautious valuation parameters, which cannot exceed certain minimum or maximum thresholds. Speculative factors cannot be taken into account. Typically, the mortgage lending value amounts to 60-80% of the fair market value. We provide mortgage lending value appraisals according to the German §16 Pfandbriefgesetz (PfandBG) und Beleihungswertverordnung (BelWertV).

Depending on the situation, we may also provide fair value and mortgage lending value appraisals according to international standards, such as IFRS.

Yes. All features of a property are taken into account in a valuation. These also include construction defects, damages, and modernisation measures.