Expert assessment — without the formal framework of a full appraisal report
Not every situation requires the complete formal structure of a market value appraisal in accordance with § 194 BauGB. The expert opinion is a methodologically equally sound but more compact assessment by a valuer — for purposes where the full formality of a complete appraisal report is neither required nor economically sensible.
Despite its shorter form, the methodological basis is identical: personal inspection (where required), market data analysis and professionally substantiated valuation. The difference lies not in quality, but in the scope of documentation.
Full appraisal report vs. expert opinion — when to use which?
- ✓Full appraisal report: court, bank, tax office, official proof of value
- ✓Expert opinion: auditor plausibility review, internal review, second opinion, loan negotiation
Expert opinion
- Methodologically full-fledged
- More compact than a full appraisal report
- Documentation suitable for auditors
- 5–10 business days delivery time
- Nationwide
When does an expert opinion make sense?
An expert opinion is the right choice when a well-founded valuer's assessment is needed — but a formal full appraisal report is not required.
Plausibility review of existing appraisal reports
An existing valuation report is to be reviewed by an independent valuer for methodological compliance, quality of assumptions and plausibility of the result.
Auditor support
Auditing firms require an expert opinion on the plausibility of the management approach when reviewing investment property positions (IAS 40, IFRS 13).
Second opinion for transactions
Investors, sellers and banks obtain an independent second opinion prior to major transactions in order to validate the proposed purchase price or an internal estimate.
Internal reports & investor communication
For internal decision papers, investor reports and management reports, an expert opinion is sufficient — and significantly more efficient than a full appraisal report.
Loan negotiation & preliminary lending assessment
Before formally commissioning a bank appraisal, an expert opinion can substantiate the borrower's estimate of value to the lending institution and speed up the financing process.
Supplement & update of existing appraisal reports
If an existing full appraisal report is to be updated or supplemented with new facts (change of lease terms, modernization), an expert opinion is the more efficient alternative to a new full appraisal report.
Process of the expert opinion
Documents & clarification of purpose
Receipt of the relevant documents (existing appraisal report, property documentation, contractual documents). Agreement on the exact scope of review or assessment and the form of the resulting report.
Analysis & database evaluation
Analysis of methodology, data and assumptions as well as our own market data evaluation. If required: property inspection. For plausibility reviews: verification of all material value approaches.
Expert opinion & explanation
Written expert opinion with methodological assessment, conclusion and, if applicable, our own value range. Includes an explanatory discussion with the auditor, the client or the lending institution.
Frequently asked questions
Is an expert opinion accepted in court?+
An expert opinion is not a full appraisal report in accordance with § 194 BauGB and is not recognized by courts and banks as a full-fledged proof of value. However, it is a qualified party expert report that can be submitted as evidence in proceedings — and in many cases contributes to a settlement. If full evidentiary robustness for court purposes is required, we recommend a market value appraisal.
What is the difference between an expert opinion and a full appraisal report?+
The methodological basis is identical — inspection (where required), market data analysis and standard-compliant valuation. The difference lies solely in the scope and depth of documentation: the full appraisal report in accordance with § 194 BauGB meets all formal requirements for court, tax office and bank, while the expert opinion is the more compact, more economical form for plausibility reviews, second opinions and internal purposes.
Is a property inspection required?+
That depends on the purpose. For plausibility reviews of an existing appraisal report, evaluation of the available documents is generally sufficient. For an independent value assessment, an inspection — on-site or based on meaningful property documents and photo documentation — is recommended. We agree on the appropriate scope with you in advance.
Can you also review existing appraisal reports from other valuers?+
Yes. Plausibility review and expert opinion on existing appraisal reports is one of the most common applications. We review methodology, data sources, capitalization rates, rental assumptions and value derivations — and provide a well-founded assessment of whether the result is market-consistent.
Is the expert opinion suitable for auditors (IAS 40, IFRS 13)?+
Yes. The documentation is structured so that it can be used as an expert plausibility review of the management approach within the annual audit of investment property positions. On request, we coordinate the format and level of review directly with the auditing firm.
How long does preparation take?+
Typically 5–10 business days from receipt of the complete documents. Pure plausibility reviews can often be completed faster; for complex properties or if an inspection is required, the timeframe may be extended accordingly. We provide a binding schedule with the offer.
What does an expert opinion cost?+
The expert opinion is prepared at a fixed price, which depends on property complexity and the required scope of analysis. Before commissioning, you will receive a binding fixed-price offer — with no hidden costs. Complete plausibility reviews of existing appraisal reports are calculated individually.
Request expert opinion
We prepare the expert opinion for your requirement — quickly, methodically sound, and with the level of documentation your client expects.
