Appraisal before purchasing property: more security for your investment

Buying a house or apartment in Hamburg Bergedorf: When should you hire an appraiser?

In principle, any property offered for sale in Hamburg can be professionally appraised. Some houses and apartments are more suitable for this due to their higher probability of defects than others. Especially for older properties, it is worthwhile to take a closer look before purchasing: Long-term habitation can lead to not only regular wear and tear but also structural or technical damages that are not immediately visible. The appraiser, with their experience and use of specialized tools, is capable of uncovering these issues, providing you with a well-founded basis for or against the purchase decision for property in Hamburg Bergedorf.

You should also be cautious when houses or apartments are offered at an unusually low price without a clear reason. Appraisers often find defects in such properties, where later discovery and consequential damages can result in higher costs than an initial repair would. Conversely, an appraisal can also be useful if a property is offered at an unusually high price—the expert's assessment might reveal a lower valuation, potentially swaying contract negotiations in your favor. However, note that private owners can refuse an appraisal of their property at any time—especially for suspicious properties, our real estate experts consider this a clear sign to refrain from purchasing.

Who provides expert property appraisals in Hamburg, and what are the expected costs?

In Germany, the titles "appraiser" or "expert" are not protected, meaning technically anyone can be hired to appraise a property. However, reputable, valid, and reliable appraisals are typically conducted by sworn experts from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry or the Chamber of Architects. Those with specific real estate qualifications or relevant training generally possess the necessary expertise. The more importance you place on choosing a reliable appraiser, the more satisfactory the results will be. Your Engel & Völkers Hamburg real estate agent is pleased to recommend a trusted appraiser for your property purchase in Bergedorf and the surrounding areas!

The cost of the appraisal can be freely negotiated and depends on whether a full appraisal, partial appraisal, or additional services are desired. In most cases, the Fee Ordinance for Architects and Engineers (HOAI) serves as the basis for calculations, with fees typically ranging between 500 and 2,000 euros. Given the potential follow-up costs that can be avoided with an appraisal-supported purchase, this investment is often worthwhile, according to the experience of Engel & Völkers Hamburg.

Have you long dreamed of purchasing your own house or apartment in Hamburg and want to thoroughly explore the real estate offerings in Bergedorf and surrounding districts for your decision? The real estate team at Engel & Völkers Hamburg offers comprehensive guidance in your selection process and supports you from viewing to the notary appointment. Get a first impression of the offerings now and be inspired by the houses and apartments in the Engel & Völkers Hamburg portfolio. For further information on specific properties or our services, don't hesitate to contact us and soon you might be holding the keys to your new home!