Do you own valuable art or luxury items and wonder what they are truly worth? The global market for luxury goods reached a volume of 362 billion euros in 2023, yet the true value of many items often remains undiscovered. This article will show you how to determine and realize the financial potential of your treasures using data-driven methods.
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The topic briefly and concisely
The global luxury goods market reached a volume of 362 billion euros in 2023 and demonstrates resilience against economic fluctuations.
Certain luxury items such as Hermès handbags or Rolex watches can achieve returns that surpass traditional asset classes, with value increases of over 50% possible within a few years.
A professional valuation by experts costs between 30 and 300 euros for single items and is crucial for sale, insurance, or inheritance.
Have you recently inherited a valuable object or are you considering selling a collector's item? Accurately assessing its value is the first and most crucial step. The market for luxury items is not only an expression of craftsmanship and exclusivity but also a resilient industry that reached a global turnover of 362 billion euros in 2023. However, many owners underestimate the financial potential at their fingertips. Professional art and luxury item valuation is essential for making informed decisions—whether for a sale, insurance, or estate planning. With a data-driven approach, you transform intuition into solid facts, strategically safeguarding your wealth.
Market Analysis: Trends and Potentials in the Global Luxury Segment
The global luxury market demonstrated its remarkable resilience with a revenue of €362 billion in 2023. Experts forecast an additional average growth of 2 to 4 percent for the period from 2025 to 2027. This stability increasingly positions luxury goods as a recognized asset class considered for long-term investment. A major driver of this trend is the booming second-hand market, which is expanding at an annual growth rate of 12 percent.
Particularly strong growth is seen in the segments of leather goods and jewellery, with a forecast of 4 to 6 percent annually. This trend emphasizes the need for a detailed analysis of the luxury market to make the right decisions. Demand is increasingly shifting as new, younger target groups such as Generation Z shape the market. This development indicates that the emotional connection to a brand is being complemented by a rational, value-oriented perspective.
Value Drivers in Luxury Watches and Designer Handbags
Not every luxury item is automatically a profitable investment. For watches and handbags, specific factors determine the value development. The global market for luxury watches was estimated at 53.69 billion USD in 2024 and is expected to grow to over 134 billion USD by 2032. After a boom phase, prices stabilized in 2024, with brands like Breitling recording value increases of 8 percent.
For designer handbags, the increase in value is sometimes even more pronounced. Here are the most important models:
Hermès Birkin: This model achieved an average return of 14.2 percent over 35 years, surpassing traditional investments like gold.
Chanel Classic Flap: A bag bought for 4,500 euros in 2019 may now be worth over 7,100 euros, representing an increase of 57 percent.
Lady Dior: This model sees an average annual value increase of 8 to 15 percent.
A Hermès Kelly Bag can experience a value increase of up to 167 percent immediately after purchase. A professional evaluation of luxury goods is essential to identify such potentials. The condition, rarity, and provenance are crucial criteria for pricing.
The Path to Genuine Appreciation: Experts and Processes
An objective appraisal is the foundation for any strategic decision, whether for insurance purposes, fair inheritance division, or a profitable sale. To accurately determine the market value, you should consult qualified professionals. These include publicly appointed and sworn experts, specialized departments in auction houses, or certified online platforms.
The costs for a professional appraisal vary depending on the effort involved. For the valuation of individual items, prices often range between 30 and 300 euros. For complex collections or extensive research, experts often charge on an hourly basis, with rates typically between 85 and 160 euros. A detailed report documents not only the value but also authenticity, condition, and provenance. This documentation is invaluable for any future sale. Seek out experts in luxury goods who specialize in your category. This ensures that the appraisal withstands current market dynamics.
Art as Investment: Weighing Returns and Risks
Art is considered one of the oldest forms of investment and is highly valued by many as a crisis-resistant tangible asset. Some portfolios have achieved an average performance of 11.51% per year since 2000. Around 89 percent of wealth managers now recommend including art as part of a diversified investment strategy.
Nevertheless, the art market is not a sure-fire success. The return depends on many factors. A scientific analysis shows that after deducting high ancillary costs, art represents only a moderately attractive investment class. The following factors are crucial for its performance:
The artist: Works by established blue-chip artists are the most stable in value.
Provenance: A complete ownership history can multiply the value.
Condition: Even minor damages can reduce the price by over 50 percent.
Market demand: Current trends and demand from new markets such as Asia influence the price.
An investment in art should connect passion with the desire for returns, in order to emotionally cushion possible fluctuations in value. Before you invest, you should therefore consider whether secure luxury investments in other categories better suit your risk appetite.
Tax aspects of selling luxury goods in Germany
If you sell luxury items from your private assets in Germany, you can, under certain circumstances, achieve tax-free profits. The key factor is the so-called speculation period, which is one year. If you sell an item such as a painting or a watch only after this period has passed, the profit made does not need to be taxed. This regulation applies to a wide range of movable goods, from art and antiques to jewellery.
However, if an item is sold within 12 months of purchase, it constitutes a private sale transaction. Profits exceeding the annual exemption limit of 1,000 euros (from 2024) must be reported in the income tax return. For correct handling and to avoid tax disadvantages, a professional appraisal for luxury goods is often very helpful, as it documents the acquisition date and value. In case of uncertainties, a KI-supported analysis, such as the one offered by Auctoa, can quickly provide initial insights into value assessment and indicate whether more detailed advice is advisable.
Conclusion: Realizing value with a data-driven strategy
The appreciation of art and luxury items has evolved from a mere hobby to a serious financial strategy. The market offers stable growth prospects, yet the value of individual items can fluctuate significantly. Therefore, it's hardly possible to make a blanket statement about returns. The key to success lies in precise, data-driven evaluation by recognised experts.
Whether you're planning to sell an heirloom, secure your wealth for the future, or simply gain clarity on the value of your collection – don't act on gut instinct. A neutral, AI-supported evaluation by Auctoa or a conversation with our Immo GPT can provide you with a quick and straightforward initial assessment. Use digital tools to unlock the full potential of your most valuable items. Request your free analysis now.
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Additional useful links
The German Federal Statistical Office offers comprehensive data on income, consumption, living conditions, wealth, and debt in Germany.
The Bundesbank provides data from its 2023 wealth survey, offering insights into the distribution of wealth in Germany.
Statista offers detailed data on the market volume in the luxury goods segment in Germany.
Mordor Intelligence delivers an extensive report on the German luxury goods market, highlighting current trends and forecasts.
The VDA (Verband der Automobilindustrie) informs in a press release about the development of classic car prices.
A themed page from Statista provides comprehensive statistics and information on the art market in Germany.
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action publishes the 2024 monitoring report on the cultural and creative industries.
The ISM University offers a working paper with scientific insights on relevant topics.
Institutional Money discusses the future of the luxury market as well as trends and developments in the post-COVID era in an article.
FAQ
What does a survey for a luxury property cost?
The costs vary. A simple online estimate can be free or available for a small fee (around 30-80 euros). A detailed, written report from a certified expert costs between 150 and over 500 euros, depending on the object and effort involved. For entire collections, an hourly or daily rate (e.g., 85-160 euros/hour) is often charged.
How do I recognise a reputable appraiser for art and luxury?
Serious appraisers are often publicly appointed and sworn in or are members of recognized associations such as the Bundesverband öffentlich bestellter und vereidigter sowie qualifizierter Sachverständiger e.V. (BVS). Auction houses with a long tradition and specialized art historians are also reliable points of contact.
What documents are important for the appraisal?
All documents that prove provenance and authenticity are extremely valuable. These include original invoices, certificates, previous appraisals, repair receipts, and any documentation about previous owners or exhibitions.
Does original packaging increase the value?
Yes, significantly. For luxury watches, handbags, and jewelry, the presence of the original box, papers, and accessories (full set) can increase the resale value by 10 to 25 percent, as it underscores authenticity and is highly sought after by collectors.
Can I also have the value of my luxury items appraised online?
Yes, many auction houses and platforms offer an initial, non-binding online estimate based on photos. This is a good way to get a preliminary valuation. However, for a binding appraisal, such as for insurance purposes, a physical inspection is usually necessary.
How does the condition affect the value of a luxury item?
Condition is one of the most important value factors. Even small scratches, discolourations, or missing original parts can significantly reduce the value. A like-new or excellently restored condition achieves the highest prices on the market.
