Property Valuation
Online Value Analysis
digital appraisal tool for real estate after inheritance
Inheriting a property immediately raises a critical question: What is it really worth? An inaccurate estimate can cost you thousands of euros in taxes or when paying out co-heirs. Find out how you can avoid financial disadvantages after an inheritance with a digital property valuation tool.
With access to Google, BORIS, and Deep Research.
A digital valuation tool for inherited real estate quickly provides an objective initial assessment of the market value and avoids excessive tax demands.
The tax office uses standardized procedures according to the Valuation Act (BewG) to calculate inheritance tax, which often disadvantage heirs.
The market value determined on the day of death is the key basis for inheritance tax and the payment to those entitled to a compulsory portion.
Are you faced with the task of evaluating an inherited property? In Germany, around 46% of inheritances include property as part of the estate, presenting heirs with complex challenges. The value of the property is the basis for calculating inheritance tax by the tax office and for fair distribution among co-heirs. An incorrect evaluation, often based on blanket estimates, can lead to an excessive tax burden of 10-20%. This article explains how a digital evaluation tool for inherited property functions, which legal requirements according to the Valuation Act (BewG) need to be considered, and how you can create an objective, data-based foundation for all subsequent steps.
The Key Insights
A digital property valuation tool for inherited real estate provides a quick, objective initial assessment of market value and helps avoid excessive tax demands.
The tax office uses standardized procedures according to the Valuation Act (BewG) to calculate inheritance tax, which often work against the heirs.
The market value determined on the date of death is the decisive basis for inheritance tax and payouts to those entitled to a compulsory portion.
A detailed appraisal can correct the value set by the tax office by up to 20%, thereby reducing the tax burden.
The value of an inherited property is not a minor issue, but the financial centerpiece for at least three critical areas. Firstly, the tax office requires an accurate statement for the determination of inheritance tax, with allowances for children at €400,000 and for spouses at €500,000. Secondly, in a community of heirs, all co-heirs must agree on a decision to sell or rent, which requires a neutral value basis. Thirdly, disinherited but entitled relatives have an immediate cash claim, the amount of which directly depends on the property's value on the date of death. An inaccurate estimate can quickly lead to financial losses or legal disputes. Using a digital valuation tool provides a solid foundation and highlights the decisive factors. Thus, the question of the true value doesn't become a guessing game. Knowing the valuation methods in detail is the next logical step.
The tax office does not assess properties arbitrarily, but follows the strict guidelines of the Valuation Act (BewG). According to § 182 BewG, three standardised methods are used to determine the so-called 'fair value'. These methods are designed to ensure a consistent valuation nationwide, but often do not take into account individual, value-reducing factors such as the need for renovation. This can lead to an overvaluation of 15-25%. An understanding of these procedures is essential to review the figures from the tax office. Here are the three main methods:
Comparative Value Method (§ 183 BewG): This method is mainly used for owner-occupied properties such as single-family homes and condominiums. It is based on the actual purchase prices achieved for comparable properties in the nearby area.
Income Capitalisation Method (§§ 184-188 BewG): For rented properties such as multi-family houses or commercial properties, the income is the focus. The value is derived from the rental income, land value, and management costs.
Cost Approach (§§ 189-191 BewG): This method applies when no comparable or income values are available. It determines the value based on the pure construction costs of the building and the standard land value.
Since tax offices often use standard values, it is your right to prove a lower market value with a counter-appraisal. Such an appraisal can be the basis for an optimized inheritance tax calculation. However, before commissioning an expensive appraisal, a digital tool can provide valuable initial insights.
A digital appraisal tool for real estate inheritance is the fastest way to obtain an initial realistic valuation. Instead of waiting weeks for an appraisal, an online analysis provides a result within minutes. These tools analyse millions of data points daily, including current offer and sale prices, location qualities, and socio-economic developments. You receive a data-supported price range that forms a solid basis for discussions with co-heirs or the tax office. The accuracy of such tools is often over 90%, making them a reliable first point of contact. The process is simple and requires only a few inputs. This is how a typical online valuation works:
Entering basic data: You provide basic information such as property type (house, flat), year built, living area, and plot size.
Specification of features: Details on the condition, number of rooms, and special features like a balcony or garage refine the result.
Analysis by AI: The algorithm compares your property with thousands of similar properties in the region, taking into account up to 100 different valuation factors.
Result via email: You receive a detailed evaluation that includes the estimated market value, a price range, and often also an analysis of local market development.
This initial online valuation is usually free and helps you plan the next steps confidently. It shows whether the value set by the tax office is plausible or whether a detailed counter-assessment is worthwhile. With this initial assessment, you can avoid the most common mistakes in the process.
During the stress of an inheritance, mistakes can easily occur that may quickly cost several thousand euros. One of the most common mistakes is uncritically accepting the value determined by the tax office. This is often based on standardised data and ignores devaluing factors such as a repair requirement of over €20,000. Another mistake is the emotional price expectation, which is often 15% above the actual market value and unnecessarily prolongs the sales process. Confusing market value with taxable value is also a common trap. The market value is the price achievable on the market, while the taxable value is determined according to the rules of the BewG. To avoid these and other mistakes, you should work through a checklist. Before you determine the market value for the tax office, check the following points:
Check land register entries: Liabilities such as a registered right of residence or usufruct can significantly reduce the value and must be taken into account.
Document renovation needs: Have necessary repairs (e.g., damp walls, old roof) estimated by a professional, as these costs reduce the value.
Question standard land value: Especially in rural areas, the official standard land value may be outdated and deviate from the actual market situation.
Observe deadlines: The inheritance must be reported to the tax office within three months.
Careful preparation and an objective evaluation protect you from costly wrong decisions. A digital partner can greatly simplify this process.
After conducting an initial valuation and identifying the most common sources of error, the question arises about the optimal strategy. Auctoa not only supports you with a precise digital valuation tool for inherited property, but also guides you as a digital compass through the entire process. Our AI-powered platform provides you with a comprehensive online valuation analysis in just 3 minutes. This analysis serves as the starting point for thorough strategic advice. We help you find data-driven answers to the crucial questions: Sell, rent, or use personally? Our analyses show that a strategically planned sale can increase revenue by up to 15%. With our Auctoa Inheritance Manager, you not only receive figures, but clear recommendations for action. Our service encompasses several steps:
Objective Valuation: Use our free online valuation to get an initial, reliable assessment of the market value.
Strategic Options: Based on the value, location, and your personal goal (e.g., quick liquidity), we analyse the most profitable option for you.
Support with Implementation: If needed, we connect you with vetted partners, from surveyors to notaries, and support you to a successful conclusion.
ImmoGPT-Chat: For quick questions in between, our interactive chat is available around the clock to provide initial information.
A well-founded valuation is the first step towards successfully managing your property inheritance. It lays the foundation for a secure future.
The valuation of an inherited property is more than just a formal obligation – it is the foundation for far-reaching financial decisions. An inaccurate estimate can lead to inheritance tax being up to 20% higher or make payments to co-heirs unfair. A digital property valuation tool after inheritance offers a quick, cost-effective, and data-driven alternative to pure instinctive estimates. It translates complex market data into an understandable analysis and gives you back control. By understanding the statutory valuation procedures and using digital tools, you protect yourself from costly errors and create a fair basis for all parties involved. The correct value is the first step towards the right decision. Make use of the opportunities provided by digitalisation to optimise your inheritance.
Statistisches Bundesamt provides information on construction prices and the property price index in Germany.
Statistisches Bundesamt offers tables on house and land prices in Germany.
Bundesministerium der Finanzen provides information on inheritance and gift tax in Germany.
Gesetze im Internet offers insight into the Inheritance and Gift Tax Act (ErbStG) of 1974.
Bundesinstitut für Bau-, Stadt- und Raumforschung (BBSR) provides a dashboard on the property market report with current data and analyses.
Deutsche Bundesbank offers an indicator system for the residential property market for monitoring and analysis of the market.
Bundesverband der Deutschen Volksbanken und Raiffeisenbanken (BVR) publishes a study predicting rising property prices and a decoupling of prices and income.
Warum ist eine genaue Immobilienbewertung nach einer Erbschaft so wichtig?
A precise valuation is crucial as it forms the basis for the amount of inheritance tax. It also ensures a fair financial settlement within an inheritance community and when compensating entitled parties.
Welche Vorteile bietet ein digitales Bewertungstool gegenüber einem klassischen Gutachten?
A digital tool provides a free, data-based initial assessment within minutes. It’s ideal for quickly getting an orientation and deciding whether a more expensive, time-consuming expert survey is worthwhile.
Was kann ich tun, wenn die geerbte Immobilie renovierungsbedürftig ist?
Document all defects and the associated backlog of renovations. These value-reducing factors can be considered in a counter-assessment to lower the value set by the tax office and thus reduce the tax burden.
Wie gehe ich bei einer Erbengemeinschaft vor?
In an inheritance community, all decisions must be made unanimously. A neutral, objective property valuation is the first step to creating a common basis for discussions about sale, rental, or personal use and avoiding conflicts.
Welche Unterlagen benötige ich für eine Immobilienbewertung?
For an initial digital assessment, basic data such as property type, year of construction, and living area usually suffice. For a detailed survey, an up-to-date land register extract, the cadastral map, building plans, and rental agreements for rented properties are also required.
Beeinflusst ein Wohnrecht den Wert der Immobilie?
Yes, a lifelong residential or usufruct right registered in the land register significantly reduces the market value of the property. This value reduction must be considered when determining the inheritance tax.
