Valuation or estimate : what is the difference ?
An estimate and a formal valuation serve neither the same purpose nor carry the same weight.
The estimate
An estimate is an opinion of value: a professional gives an indicative price range, free of charge, to help you set an asking price. It is a commercial tool, useful for selling, but without legal weight.
The open-market valuation
An open-market valuation is a technical, written and binding act, carried out by a qualified valuer according to a recognised methodology. It determines the true value of a property at a given date, in a reasoned, neutral and admissible form. Where an estimate prepares a sale, a valuation stands as evidence before a notaire, a judge or the tax authorities — by virtue of the valuer's independence and impartiality.
When is it called for ?
- Inheritance Fair division between heirs, tax return.
- Divorce / separation Winding up the marital regime, value of jointly held property.
- Gift / division Anticipating a transfer with precision.
- Wealth tax & taxation A figure defensible before the authorities.
- Dispute / agreed valuation A neutral basis for settling a disagreement.
- Bank guarantee A reference value for a loan or a security.
How does a valuation proceed ?
-
Defining the engagement
Together we settle the purpose of the valuation (inheritance, divorce, gift, dispute…), the property concerned and the valuation date adopted.
-
Summoning the parties
Where several parties are involved, I summon them by recorded delivery, so that the valuation is adversarial and each may attend the proceedings.
-
Inspection and survey
A detailed inspection on site: measurements, condition, fittings, surroundings and any constraints (easements, planning, co-ownership), in the presence of the summoned parties.
-
Analysis and valuation
A study of the local market and comparable sales, then the application of several recognised valuation methods to arrive at a reasoned figure.
-
Delivery of the report
A written, dated and reasoned report concluding on the open-market value of the property, delivered to each of the parties concerned.
Fee
Open-market valuation, written and reasoned report included. I work across the whole of Île-de-France. Fees payable by bank transfer or in crypto-assets.
VAT not applicable, article 293 B of the French Tax Code. Any recorded-delivery costs are included. A quotation is issued before any engagement. Payment in crypto-assets is accepted for these fees : the euro equivalent is agreed on the day of payment and appears on both quotation and invoice. Not to be confused with the price of a property in a sale : that must reach the notaire in euros, so a prior conversion remains necessary.
Request a valuation
Set out your situation in a few words, or reach Marie-Céline on +33 6 60 98 92 92: I will come back to you to arrange a meeting and send you a quotation.