Code of Conduct

Working as a real estate valuer requires the highest level of professional competence, independence, integrity and sense of responsibility. Appraisal reports and valuations regularly form the basis for economic decisions, court proceedings, financing arrangements as well as tax-related and property-related assessments. Clients, courts, authorities, credit institutions and other market participants must be able to trust that valuations are carried out exclusively according to objective, comprehensible and professionally recognised standards.

This Code of Conduct describes the principles underlying our professional conduct. It forms the basis of our work as independent real estate valuers and documents our commitment to quality, objectivity and lawful action.

Independence

The independence of the valuer forms the indispensable foundation of every valuation. All valuations are carried out exclusively on the basis of objectively verifiable facts, recognised valuation methods and an independent professional assessment.

Economic interests, personal relationships or expectations of clients or third parties have no influence on the valuation process or the valuation result. Existing or apparent conflicts of interest are disclosed. If the required independence cannot be guaranteed, an assignment will not be accepted or will be terminated.

Objectivity and Neutrality

Appraisal reports are prepared impartially, comprehensibly and free from extraneous considerations.

Valuation results are based exclusively on the actual conditions of the property being valued, the available market data and the recognised principles of real estate valuation. Any form of improper influence or the preparation of favour-driven appraisal reports is consistently excluded.

Professional Diligence and Competence

Every assignment is handled with the greatest possible care and diligence.

The valuation is carried out using suitable and recognised valuation methods, taking into account the relevant statutory provisions, the German Real Estate Valuation Ordinance (ImmoWertV), the guidelines published in this regard, current case law as well as the generally recognised rules of professional valuation practice.

Findings, assumptions and conclusions are documented in a comprehensible manner and substantiated on professional grounds.

Lawfulness and Compliance

Professional practice is conducted in full compliance with applicable statutory provisions.

This includes, in particular, compliance with data protection requirements, professional obligations and all relevant statutory provisions. Corruption, acceptance of benefits or any other improper influence are incompatible with our professional self-conception.

Confidentiality

The trustworthy handling of information is an essential component of responsible valuer activity.

All information obtained in the course of an assignment, as well as personal or commercially sensitive data, is treated confidentially and processed exclusively within the scope of statutory and contractual requirements.

The obligation of confidentiality continues to apply even after completion of the respective assignment.

Quality Assurance

The quality of every valuation is of the utmost priority.

Appraisal reports are carefully reviewed before being handed over to the client. Valuation bases, data sources, calculations and conclusions are fully documented and presented in a manner that is professionally comprehensible and verifiable.

The goal of every appraisal is to produce a robust, transparent appraisal report suitable for use in court proceedings.

Transparency

Comprehensible communication builds trust.

Clients are informed about the scope of the assignment, the valuation methodology applied and material valuation assumptions. Limitations of the valuation, uncertainties or a lack of information are openly disclosed.

Valuation results are communicated objectively and are not presented as having greater significance than their actual evidentiary value warrants.

Responsibility

Real estate valuations carry considerable economic and legal significance. This gives rise to a special responsibility towards clients, courts, authorities, credit institutions and all other parties involved.

Assignments are accepted only if their proper and professional handling can be ensured. The aim is to produce independent and comprehensible appraisal reports that make a reliable contribution to well-founded decisions.

Professional Ethos

Professional conduct is guided by the following core values:

• Integrity
• Independence
• Objectivity
• Neutrality
• Professional Diligence
• Transparency
• Reliability
• Discretion
• Sense of Responsibility
• Adherence to the Law

These core values govern all professional decisions and form the foundation of responsible valuer activity.

Concluding Remarks

Trust is built through independence, transparency, and professional quality. This Code of Conduct documents the commitment to carrying out every valuation with the utmost care, objectivity, and integrity. It supplements the statutory and professional requirements and serves as a binding standard for responsible, comprehensible, and quality-oriented valuer activity.