Property Valuation
Basic Report
preparation report process
Are you faced with the task of determining the true value of your property for a sale or inheritance? Inadequate preparation can delay the process by weeks and distort the result by over 10%. Learn here how systematic preparation can save you time, money, and stress when it comes to your appraisal.
With access to Google, BORIS, and Deep Research.
A complete collection of documents is the basis for a smooth appraisal process and can prevent delays of up to four weeks.
The on-site visit is crucial; ensure the appraiser has access to all areas to guarantee an accurate inspection and thus a precise evaluation.
The valuation methods are regulated by law in the ImmoWertV and § 194 BauGB, ensuring standardised and comprehensible results.
Determining the value of a property often feels like a black box. Particularly in emotional situations such as an inheritance or when making complex sale decisions, uncertainty is an expensive factor. Inadequate preparation for the appraisal is the most common reason for delays and inaccurate values. This guide presents a structured 5-step plan to you. This ensures that your appraisal process not only runs up to 4 weeks faster but is also based on a solid, data-driven foundation. This way, you achieve a fair market value without costly surprises.
Have you ever wondered why experts place so much emphasis on preparation? The answer lies in efficiency and accuracy. An incomplete set of documents can delay the entire valuation process by up to four weeks because the appraiser has to wait for documents from authorities. Professional preparation reduces the administrative effort for the expert by up to 5 hours. This not only accelerates completion but also reduces the risk of costly misjudgments, which often range between 5-10% of the property's value. A well-prepared process is the basis for any informed decision, whether it's for sale, inheritance, or financing. This initial step sets the course for a smooth and swift procedure.
The compilation of the correct documents is the first and most crucial step. Missing documents are the most common reason for delays of 2 to 4 weeks. Start by obtaining these documents, which often incur fees when requested from authorities.
For a smooth appraisal process, you generally need the following documents:
Land register excerpt: A current excerpt (not older than 3 months) provides information on ownership and encumbrances.
Site plan/cadastral map: A current map from the cadastral office shows the exact location and boundaries of the property.
Building documents: These include floor plans, sectional drawings, and construction descriptions, which are often found in the city's building archive.
Living and usable area calculation: This document is essential for applying valuation methods.
Proof of modernisations: Invoices and receipts for renovations over the last 10-15 years increase the value.
Energy certificate: Since 2014, this has been legally required for sale or rental.
For rented properties: Tenancy agreements and an overview of current rental income are crucial for the income approach.
For condominiums: The declaration of division, the last 3 minutes of owners' meetings, and the current service charge statements are mandatory.
The completeness of these documents speeds up the process by at least 50%. With a complete file, the appraiser can start the analysis directly, which prepares for the next step: the on-site appointment.
The site visit is the cornerstone of the evaluation, as this is where the surveyor assesses the actual condition of your property. The inspection takes between 1 and 2.5 hours, depending on the size of the property. Good preparation on your part can increase the efficiency of this appointment by 20%. Ensure that the surveyor has access to all rooms, from the cellar to the attic. Make sure all areas are well-lit and easily accessible to enable an accurate inspection. Inform any tenants at least 48 hours in advance about the appointment. During the appointment, the surveyor will take photos and make notes about the condition of windows, heating, plumbing, and the general building structure. A smooth site visit provides the necessary data, making your role in the next step all the more effective.
You know your property best. Your active participation can significantly improve the accuracy of the valuation. Use the on-site visit to point out valuable details to the appraiser that are not evident from the documents. Have you installed a new heating system or insulated the roof in the last five years? Such information can increase the determined value by several thousand euros. Also, point out any known but not obvious defects; transparency builds trust and prevents future problems. Open communication about specialities such as right of way or special agreements is part of an effective valuation process. Your expertise as an owner is a valuable resource that directly contributes to the legal and factual assessment.
A market value appraisal follows clear rules. In Germany, the Building Code (BauGB) and the Real Estate Valuation Ordinance (ImmoWertV) form the legal foundation. § 194 BauGB defines the market value as the price that could be achieved in ordinary business transactions. The ImmoWertV prescribes three standardised methods: the comparative value, income value, and asset value methods. Knowing these fundamentals helps you assess the seriousness of an appraisal. A common mistake is commissioning purely online evaluations for legal disputes; these are not upheld in court. Another pitfall is assuming the standard land value corresponds to the property value – it is merely an average and can differ by over 20%. A solid understanding of these points ensures quality and prepares you for the final step.
After 1 to 3 weeks, you will have the completed report in your hands. A full report according to § 194 BauGB typically consists of 25 to 40 pages. Check whether all documents and information you have provided have been correctly considered. The determined market value is the solid foundation for your further decisions. Do you need a quick assessment or a second opinion? The Auctoa ImmoGPT chat can provide you with an initial, data-based analysis within 2 minutes. A professional report is your compass for negotiations, inheritance disputes, or investment planning. It turns uncertainty into a clear, strategic action basis. Use this clarity for the next step.
Preparing a property valuation is not a necessary evil, but your strongest tool for a swift and precise outcome. Organising documents systematically, preparing the site visit, and transparent communication can shorten the process by weeks and improve value accuracy by over 10%. This replaces gut feeling with data-driven facts. A well-prepared Auctoa valuation process provides the security you need for one of the most important financial decisions. In the end, it delivers a value you can trust.
The Statistisches Bundesamt offers comprehensive information on construction prices and the property price index in Germany.
Tables from the Statistisches Bundesamt provide detailed data on house prices and building land.
The Deutsche Bundesbank provides statistics on property and construction performance prices.
You can find an indicator system for the residential property market at the Deutsche Bundesbank.
The Real Estate Valuation Ordinance (ImmoWertV) of 2022 forms the legal basis for property valuation in Germany.
BORIS-D is the central information system for standard land values in Germany.
Statista offers data on the transaction volume of the real estate investment market since 2004.
How long is a property valuation report valid?
A property valuation report does not have an official expiration date but reflects the value as of a specific date. Due to market fluctuations, it is recommended to update the valuation after 6 to 12 months if it is used for sale or financing.
Must I be present at the site visit as the owner?
It is highly recommended that you or a knowledgeable person appointed by you be present. This allows you to directly answer questions and point out special features to the surveyor, which increases the accuracy of the report.
What is the difference between market value and property value?
The terms market value and property value are used synonymously in Germany. Both refer to the price that can likely be achieved on the valuation date in the ordinary course of business, as defined in § 194 BauGB.
Can I delegate the procurement of documents to the surveyor?
Yes, most surveyors offer to procure the necessary documents from the authorities for a fee and with the authority granted by you. This can significantly simplify the process for you.
What happens if documents are missing?
Missing documents lead to delays because the surveyor must request them. If certain documents cannot be procured, the surveyor must make expert assumptions, which are marked as such in the report and may impact accuracy.
What role does the energy certificate play in the valuation?
The energy certificate provides information about the energy efficiency of a building. A good energy performance indicator can positively affect the value, while a poor rating may lead to deductions, as potential buyers expect higher energy costs and modernization needs.
