Property valuer for your house: what do they do and do you need one?

A property valuer for your house determines objectively what your home is worth on the current market. That sounds simple, but a thorough process lies behind such a valuation. Whether you want to sell, are settling an inheritance or are simply curious about the value of your property, the right valuation is the starting point.

What exactly does a valuer do?

A valuer, also called a property expert or valuation specialist, carries out a detailed analysis of your home. He or she examines several factors: the location, the surface area, the year of construction, the state of maintenance, the EPC certificate and recent comparable transactions in the neighbourhood.

In Belgium, two types of valuer are called upon most often. First, the sworn or court-appointed valuer, whose report has legal value. Second, the estate agent with valuation experience, who carries out a market value assessment with a smooth sale in mind - if you want to know how to approach the best way to find an estate agent in Belgium, you will find everything about that in our extensive guide. For a standard home sale, that second option is sufficient in most cases.

The end result is a valuation report or an advisory value. That document describes the method, the comparable properties and the final value. A good valuer also explains why your home is worth more or less than a comparable property in the same street.

When do you need a valuer for your house?

There are various situations in which a professional valuation is not an unnecessary luxury.

• Sale of your home: a realistic asking price increases the chance of a quick sale at the best price. Asking too much puts buyers off; asking too little costs you money.
• Inheritance or estate: in the event of a death, the tax authorities need to know the value of the property. A sworn valuer then supplies an official report.
• Divorce or dissolution of a cohabitation agreement: when jointly owned property is divided, a neutral valuation is indispensable.
• Mortgage loan: banks usually send their own valuer round before granting a loan. That valuation protects the bank, not necessarily you as the owner.
• Renovation plans: anyone who wants to know whether a renovation increases the value of their home can have a valuation carried out before and after.

For most sellers, the combination of a free valuation by an estate agent and, where circumstances are special, a sworn expert is the most sensible approach. Via our free valuation tool you quickly get a first indication.

What does a valuer for a house cost in Belgium?

The price of a valuation depends on the type and the complexity of the assignment.

In 2026, a sworn valuer usually charges between 300 and 700 euros for a standard home. For more complex properties, multi-family homes or large villas, that amount rises more quickly. Some notary offices work with fixed rates for estates.

An estate agent who wants to sell your home normally offers the valuation free of charge. That is his or her way of getting to know you and securing a sales mandate. That approach is entirely legitimate, as long as the agent values honestly and in line with the market. An agent who deliberately values too high in order to win the mandate does you no favours in the longer term.

Do you want to compare several valuers without searching yourself? Compare estate agents free of charge via IMV and receive up to three independent valuations from BIV-accredited agents in your region.

How does a home valuation proceed step by step?

A professional valuation follows a set method, even though the depth differs according to the purpose.

1. Intake: the valuer requests basic information, such as the address, the type of home, the habitable surface area and any known defects.
2. Site visit: he or she visits the home and inspects all the rooms, the garden, the cellar, the roof and the technical installations.
3. Market analysis: the valuer compares your home with recent sales in the area. Databases such as the notarial barometer and REALO are often used as a reference for this.
4. Value assessment: on the basis of all those data, he proposes a value. With a sworn expert, a formal written report follows; with an estate agent, often a presentation or a record of the discussion.
5. Advice: a good valuer also indicates what you could do to increase the value before the sale, think of small repairs or energy-saving measures.

Valuer versus estate agent: what is the difference?

Many people use the terms interchangeably, but there is an important distinction. An estate agent guides the entire sales process, from valuation to signing of the deed. A valuer stops at the value assessment.

In practice, many BIV-accredited estate agents are also capable of carrying out a reliable market valuation. They combine local market knowledge with objective data. That makes them the most practical choice for most sellers.

Do you want to know which estate agents are active in your municipality and what price they put forward? Use our comparison tool to place several options side by side quickly and without obligation. You receive up to three proposals from accredited local agents.

Tips to get the most out of your home valuation

A valuation is only as good as the information you supply. Make sure you have the following documents to hand at the site visit: the EPC certificate, the plans of the home, any permits for renovations and the most recent invoices for maintenance of heating installations or the roof.

Tidy the home before the visit, not to mislead the valuer, but to give a correct impression of its condition. An untidy home sometimes leads to a lower assessment, simply because defects are more visible.

Finally, always ask for written substantiation of the value. A verbal valuation has little value if you want to negotiate or document later.

Frequently asked questions about a valuer for a house

Ready to have your home valued?

A good valuation lays the basis for a successful sale. Whether you opt for a sworn expert or for an accredited estate agent, it always comes down to the same thing: local knowledge, current market data and honest advice. IMV puts you in touch free of charge with up to three BIV-accredited estate agents in your municipality. Compare estate agents and request your valuation today, entirely free and without obligation.