Frequently Asked Questions
Property Valuation Lebanon
What is a property valuation
A property valuation is a professional estimate of the current market value of a real-estate asset (land, building or combination) as of a specified date, based on market data, property condition and other relevant factors.
It is conducted by qualified valuers and used for many purposes such as sale/purchase, financing, insurance, inheritance, divorce/settlement, and more
Why do I need a formal valuation report rather than just a market estimate?
- A formal valuation report issued by qualified valuers (e.g., sworn experts) carries more weight for banks, courts, legal-processes, tax authorities or large corporate decisions.
- It adheres to recognized standards (for example, international valuation standards such as RICS, IVS) and provides documented justification of the value.
- It gives you a “defensible” value (with comparables, adjustments, explanation) rather than a rough guess.
- Helps you avoid surprises or disputes later (for example, if you rely on an informal estimate and then the bank or court rejects it).
When should I get a valuation from Property Valuation Lebanon
- When you plan to sell or purchase a property and want to know a realistic market value.
- When you are refinancing or obtaining a mortgage and need an independent value.
- When you are involved in inheritance or estate settlement, divorce/separation or legal proceedings and need a value for division of assets.
- When you need a value for tax, insurance or accounting purposes (e.g., fixed asset value or replacement cost).
- When there has been a significant change to the property (major renovation, extension, change of use) or a big shift in the local market. (In Lebanon, where markets can move, getting an updated valuation can be wise.)
- As a periodic check to stay aware of your property’s position in the market. For example: residential properties almost every 3 years, commercial every 2 years.
How is the property value determined? What factors are considered?
Valuers in Property Valuation Lebanon use a combination of methods (sales comparison, income approach, cost approach) and consider a wide range of factors, including:
- Location: neighborhood, accessibility, amenities, views, infrastructure.
- Size, layout, condition of the building and land (age, maintenance, wear & tear).
- Market data: recent comparable sales, supply & demand, trends.
- Zoning, legal title (ownership rights, any restrictions), land use and highest & best use of the property.
- For income-producing properties: rental income, operating expenses, vacancy, yields etc.
- Replacement cost (for unique properties) or depreciated cost when other approaches are difficult.
All these factors combined lead to a well-supported estimate of value.
What service levels or standards do you use in Property Valuation Lebanon? Are your reports compliant with recognized standards?
At Property Valuation Lebanon, we issue reports in compliance with globally-recognised valuation standards (for example IVS, RICS). Our team of sworn experts is accredited and maintains professional qualifications.
This ensures that our reports are credible for legal, banking, corporate and international use.
What does the valuation report include?
A typical report will include:
- Property identification: address, title, land & building description.
- Purpose of the valuation (sale, finance, inheritance etc).
- Date of valuation and assumptions/restrictions.
- Market overview and local area analysis.
- Comparable sales or income/cost approach data properly adjusted.
- Comments on condition, any defects or extraordinary items.
- Final value conclusion with explanation.
- Appendices (photos, site plan, legal documentation, comparable sales list).
- Limiting conditions, disclaimers, scope of work.
How long does the process take?
The exact turnaround time depends on the size/type of property, complexity, availability of documentation and easy access to the property.
As a guideline:
- Standard residential valuation: 12 – 14 business days after site inspection.
- Commercial / complex property: may take longer.
We will provide you with a more accurate timeline once we understand your case.
What documents or information do you need from me?
To conduct a smooth valuation we typically request:
- Property title deed / ownership documents.
- Land/building plan & drawing if available.
- Recent utility bills or tax assessment (if relevant).
- Details of any works/renovations done recently.
- Lease contracts (for income-producing properties).
- Access to property for inspection (interior & exterior).
- Any relevant legal restrictions or encumbrances.
Providing complete and accurate information helps avoid delays and supports the reliability of the report.
What is the cost/fee for a valuation?
Our fees as Property Valuation Lebanon vary depending on property type, purpose, size/complexity, location and turnaround required. We provide a clear fee estimate based on your specific case.
Unlike some informal or online valuations, our prices reflect the full scope of work, professional accreditation and deliverable quality you can rely on.
Will the valuation be accepted by banks, courts or other authorities?
Yes, Property Valuation Lebanon reports are prepared to meet the requirements of banks, courts (including family court, inheritance), lenders and international purposes. Because we follow recognised standards and use sworn experts, your report can be used as a credible document for these uses.
However, acceptance always depends partly on the recipient’s specific criteria — we recommend you confirm in advance if the recipient (bank, court, etc) has any special format, registration or qualification requirements.
Does a valuation guarantee I’ll sell for that price?
No, a valuation is an estimate of market value as of the date of the report. Market conditions may change, buyer demand may differ, and actual sale negotiation may result in a higher or lower price.
It should be used as a professional guide for decision-making, not as a guarantee of sale price.
How often should I update the valuation?
Because market conditions and property circumstances change, it’s advisable to update valuations:
- For residential properties: every 3 years in typical markets.
- For commercial or rapidly changing sectors: every 2 years or sooner if there is major change (renovation, change of use, market shock).
If you are planning a transaction, legal action or major financing, you should consider doing one immediately rather than waiting.
What happens if the property market changes significantly after I get a valuation?
If significant market movements occur (up or down) the value in the report may no longer reflect current market reality. In such cases you may need an updated valuation as of the new date. Our reports include the date of valuation and any assumptions, so users know the context.
If you suspect major change (economic, regulatory, market supply/demand), contact us for a fresh quote.
Are there any restrictions or limitations to the valuation report?
Yes, every valuation includes standard limiting conditions and assumptions. Common ones include:
- The report is based on information available at the date of inspection and report.
- We assume access to all relevant information (title, documents) is complete and accurate.
- We assume normal market conditions (no distressed sale, no forced sale) unless stated.
- The value does not necessarily reflect future value, nor will it reflect special or unusual buyer/seller motivations unless explicitly addressed.
Make sure you read the “Scope and Limiting Conditions” section of the report.
What is the difference between market value and other values (e.g., book value, forced sale value)?
- Market value: The most probable price a willing buyer will pay to a willing seller, neither under undue pressure, in an open market.
- Book value: The value of the asset on financial statements (accounting value), which may differ from market value.
- Forced sale value: The price the property might realise if sold under compulsion or distressed circumstances (typically lower than market value).
- Insurance/replacement value: The cost to replace the building/new construction cost, sometimes used for insurance purposes.
Understanding which value you need is important — we can tailor our report accordingly.
What if I only need a quick estimate rather than a full report?
If you only need a basic estimate (for example for informal purposes) we may offer a simpler “desktop” estimate or market snapshot. However:
- These are less detailed and may not be accepted for formal use (banking, legal).
- They carry more risk of being challenged, since fewer data and less depth of analysis.
We recommend using a full valuation report when the purpose is significant (legal, financing, high-value property).
Can you value property located outside Beirut / Lebanon?
Yes, at Property Valuation Lebanon, we have expertise across Lebanon.
If the property is outside Lebanon or ownership is abroad, we can discuss logistics of inspection, documentation and report delivery.
How do I get started with your service?
- Contact us via our booking/request form or by email/phone.
- Provide basic details: property location, type, purpose of valuation (sale, financing, inheritance, etc), ownership/usage status.
- We send you a fee estimate, scope of work, timeline and required documents.
- Upon agreement we schedule site visit (if required) and begin work.
- Deliver the final report in agreed format (electronic PDF, hard-copy if needed).
From there you can use the report with your bank, lawyer, tax authority or other stakeholders.
How are your valuers qualified / what safeguards do you have?
Our team consists of sworn/licensed valuers with extensive local and international experience. We adhere to strict ethical standards, independence rules (no conflict of interest) and follow recognized valuation standards. This ensures:
- Unbiased and objective valuations.
- Transparent methodology.
- Robust report documentation.
- Acceptance by major stakeholders (banks, courts, global firms).
What’s the difference between your service and a regular market appraisal by a real-estate agent?
- A real-estate agent appraisal or “broker price opinion” is principally used for listing/selling advice and may not have the same depth, standardisation or legal acceptance as a formal valuation.
- A formal valuation report is more comprehensive, uses multiple methods, is prepared by accredited professionals and designed to meet intense scrutiny (banks, courts, international use).
- While both have value, if your purpose is serious (finance, legal settlement, corporate decision) the formal valuation is strongly recommended.