Free house valuation: how it works and what to expect

If you are thinking of selling your property, everything starts with a reliable free house valuation. Without a realistic picture of the market value, you risk pricing your home too low or too high - either way, it costs you money. Through ImmoMakelaarVergelijker you can have your property valued free of charge and without obligation by a IPI-recognised estate agent in your region.

What does a free valuation actually mean?

A free valuation is a professional assessment of your property's value, carried out by a recognised estate agent. The agent visits your home, analyses its characteristics and compares them with recent sales in your area. The result is a realistic asking price you can take to market.

One important distinction: a free valuation is not the same as a notarial or banking appraisal. The latter is legally binding and is required in situations such as inheritances, divorces or mortgage applications. A valuation by an estate agent focuses on the current market value and serves as the foundation for your sales strategy.

In 2026, average property prices in Belgium are around 310,000 euros for a standard home, but that figure varies considerably from one municipality to the next and depends heavily on the type of property. A local agent knows the specific market in your municipality and will give you a far more accurate picture than any online tool.

Why choose a free valuation through an estate agent?

Online valuation tools are widely available in Belgium, but they rely on cadastral data and averages. They take no account of the condition of your property, its position within the street, recent renovations or the energy performance certificate (EPC). An estate agent does.

A few advantages of a personal valuation by a recognised estate agent:

• The agent visits your property and sees what an algorithm cannot.
• You receive a market-consistent price based on recent transactions in your area.
• The agent also advises you on what you could improve before putting the property on the market.
• You are under no obligation whatsoever - it remains entirely without commitment.

Through ImmoMakelaarVergelijker you can compare multiple estate agents and request up to three quotes. That way you are not only comparing estimated values, but also each agent's approach, commission and proposed marketing plan.

How does a free valuation work, step by step?

The process is straightforward and typically takes no more than a week from the moment you submit your request.

Step 1: Submit your request. You fill in your details on the platform. This takes a few minutes. You indicate the municipality where your property is located, the type of property and when you are looking to sell.

Step 2: Matched with local agents. IMV connects you with up to three IPI-recognised estate agents who are active in your region. Only agents with a proven local presence are eligible.

Step 3: Property visit. The agent comes to your home, carries out a thorough inspection and asks questions about the EPC, the year of construction, any renovations and other relevant factors.

Step 4: Valuation report. You receive a written report with the estimated market value and an explanation. Some agents also include a comparative market analysis featuring recently sold properties in your area.

Step 5: Compare and decide. You review the three valuations and quotes side by side. Only then do you decide whether to proceed, and if so, which agent you want to work with.

What does an agent look at during a valuation?

A good estate agent looks beyond the square metres. The following elements play a major role in any valuation:

• Location: municipality, neighbourhood, proximity to schools, public transport and shops.
• Type and size: detached, semi-detached, apartment or terraced house. The habitable surface area matters, but so does the plot size.
• Condition of the property: is it move-in ready or does it need renovation? An outdated kitchen or bathroom has a direct impact on the price.
• EPC rating: in 2026, energy performance is a serious factor. Properties with a poor EPC rating (E or F) are often priced lower or require more room for negotiation.
• Recent transactions: what did comparable properties in the area sell for over the past few months?

All these elements together determine the realistic asking price. An agent who does their job properly will also explain exactly how they arrived at that figure.

Free valuation versus paid appraisal: which do you choose?

For a standard sale, a free valuation by an estate agent is sufficient in most cases. A paid appraisal by a sworn valuer costs between 300 and 800 euros and is only necessary in specific situations, such as inheritance disputes, legal proceedings or applications to a bank for a large loan.

If your sole goal is to sell your property in the best possible way, the free valuation is all you need. You also benefit from the agent's advice on sales strategy, asking price and timing - added value you simply do not get from a purely administrative appraisal.

Would you like to compare which agents are active in your region right now? Compare estate agents for free via IMV and request multiple valuations in just a few clicks.

When is the right time to have your property valued?

Many sellers wait too long before requesting a valuation, often because they think they need to be fully ready to sell first. That is not the case. Requesting a valuation can already be worthwhile when you are simply considering a sale but have not yet made a firm decision.

An early valuation offers three advantages. First, you immediately know what your property is worth on the current market. Second, you can use that information to decide whether selling now makes financial sense. Third, the agent gives you time to make any small improvements that could increase the sale value - such as repainting, minor repairs or improving your EPC rating.

In a market that remains selective in 2026 - with rising interest rates making buyers more cautious - a sharply priced property is not a luxury but a necessity. A free valuation helps you set that price correctly.

Frequently asked questions about free house valuations

A free valuation of your property is the most logical first step if you are considering a sale. Through ImmoMakelaarVergelijker you can request multiple valuations from recognised local agents in just a few minutes - completely free and with no obligations. Start your free valuation here and take the first step towards a successful sale.