Property Valuation
Online Value Analysis
Online appraisal for the value of a property
Are you unsure about the true value of your property today? An online property valuation provides an initial data-based assessment in under five minutes. Discover how these tools work, where their limitations lie, and when they offer valuable decision-making support for owners and heirs.
With access to Google, BORIS, and Deep Research.
An online appraisal provides a quick, data-driven initial assessment of property value, ideal for a preliminary orientation.
The accuracy is limited for a binding price determination since individual characteristics and the condition of the property are not inspected on site.
For legally binding occasions such as inheritance, divorce, or financing, a market value appraisal from a certified expert is mandatory.
What if you could determine the current market value of your house or apartment with just a few clicks? Many owners and heirs face the challenge of needing to quickly and objectively assess a property's value, whether it's for a planned sale, a wealth overview, or the settlement of an estate. An online valuation for a property's worth offers a fast and cost-effective alternative to the traditional, weeks-long appraisal process. These digital assessments use algorithms and current market data to provide you with a well-founded initial orientation. But how precise are these results, and when is a detailed, legally secure appraisal indispensable?
An online valuation for a property's value is based on so-called AVMs (Automated Valuation Models). These systems analyse millions of data points in seconds. They use databases with listing prices from real estate portals and data from appraisal committees. The preferred method is the comparative value approach, where your property is matched with hundreds of similar, recently sold properties in comparable locations. Eight main factors, including location, year of construction, condition, and energy efficiency, determine over 90% of the value. Modern tools can thus determine a very realistic price range. The quality of the valuation directly depends on the quantity and quality of the comparable objects available. This technological foundation enables a speed that was unthinkable a few years ago.
How accurate is a purely digital estimate? The truth is, a free online valuation provides a valuable initial approximation, but not a precise appraisal. Since an on-site inspection is missing, individual characteristics such as high-quality interior fittings, an unobstructed view, or urgent renovation needs cannot be captured. This can lead to potential deviations from the actual sale price. For legal or tax purposes, such as in cases of inheritance, divorce, or submission to a bank, an online valuation is generally not recognized. Courts and tax offices require a comprehensive market value appraisal, which is prepared by a certified expert following a personal inspection. Use the quick online valuation for what it is: an efficient compass for initial orientation.
The better the data you enter, the more accurate the result. For a meaningful online evaluation, you should have at least the following seven key figures ready:
Property type: Is it a flat, a detached house, or a terraced house? The type can affect the base value by up to 30%.
Year of construction: The age of the building is a crucial factor for the condition and potential requirements for modernisation.
Living area: The exact square footage is one of the most important calculation bases.
Plot size: Particularly for houses, the size of the plot significantly influences the overall value.
Condition and features: Have there been any major refurbishments (roof, heating, windows) in the last 10 years?
Energy efficiency class: A good energy rating can increase the selling price by more than 10%.
Exact address: The micro-location (street, neighbourhood) can change the value within a city by over 50%.
An accurate property valuation begins with solid input data.
There are situations where an online appraisal is not sufficient. Whenever a property value needs to be verifiably proven for third parties, a market value appraisal in accordance with § 194 BauGB is required. This is typically the case in three scenarios: during an estate settlement for fair distribution, in a divorce for calculating the gain, and for submission to the tax office to review the assessed inheritance tax. Such a full appraisal costs between 0.5% and 1.5% of the property value. For a value of €400,000, this translates to costs of €2,000 to €6,000. However, this investment can pay off if it helps avoid an excessive tax burden of over €10,000. A certified expert is liable for the value they determine, providing you with legal security. The professional property valuation is therefore the only right choice for formal occasions.
A pure numerical value is only half the story. What do you do with the information that your property is valued at €450,000? The real challenge for owners and heirs begins after the appraisal. This is where intelligent systems like Auctoa come in, going beyond a simple online appraisal. Instead of leaving you with a mere price range, we assist you in interpreting the data. With our ImmoGPT chat, you can, for example, directly and easily ask follow-up questions about the valuation. We combine the precision of AI analysis with the strategic advice you need for your specific situation. This turns a simple data point into a concrete action recommendation, whether for an optimal sales time or an investment decision. A live appraisal via video can help further increase accuracy without immediately incurring high costs.
An online appraisal for the value of a property is an extremely useful tool for an initial, quick market assessment. Within minutes, you receive a data-driven guide that helps you better understand your financial situation. For informal sales considerations or an initial assessment in the event of inheritance, the accuracy is usually sufficient. However, as soon as legal or financial obligations come into play, picking up the phone and engaging a certified appraiser is essential. The savvy owner uses digital efficiency for an overview and professional expertise for security. This way, you make informed decisions with the certainty of data and expert knowledge.
Statistisches Bundesamt provides comprehensive information on construction price indices and real estate price indices in Germany.
Statistisches Bundesamt offers detailed tables on house prices and land prices in Germany.
BORIS enables access to standard land values through the nationwide information system of expert committees.
Bundesverwaltungsamt provides information on the creation of expert reports by the appraisal committee, exemplified by Bavaria.
Statista offers statistics on real estate prices by year of construction in Germany.
ZIA (Zentraler Immobilien Ausschuss) publishes a press release on the 2024 digitalisation study in the real estate sector, highlighting the potential of AI.
vdpResearch provides a PDF document on digitalisation in real estate valuation.
How does an online appraisal for a property's value work?
An online appraisal uses algorithms (AVM) to compare the property data you provide (e.g., location, size, year of construction) with thousands of comparable properties from market databases. Based on this comparative value method, a statistical price range for your property is determined.
Who is a free online valuation suitable for?
It is ideal for owners who are simply curious about the current market value, potential sellers who need an initial price idea, and heirs seeking a quick overview of the estate's value before taking further steps.
What is the difference to an appraisal by a surveyor?
The main difference is the lack of an on-site inspection. A surveyor examines the building's structure, individual condition, quality of the fittings, and legal aspects (e.g., in the land register). Their appraisal is detailed, legally sound, and considers factors an online tool cannot capture.
Can I set the selling price with an online appraisal?
You should use the online appraisal as a starting point, not as the final selling price. It gives you a realistic range, but the final price should always be set, considering the individual merits and potential defects of your property and after professional advice.
How up-to-date is the data used for the online valuation?
Reputable providers use continuously updated data from various sources, including current asking prices from major property portals and partly actual purchase prices from valuation boards. The timeliness of the data is a crucial quality factor.
What can I do if the online appraisal appears too low?
If you believe that value-enhancing features such as a luxury renovation or a unique location have not been adequately considered, this is a clear sign to consider a more detailed assessment. Use tools like a video assessment or contact an expert to capture your property's specifics.
