Panel of Experts

Appraisal Committee - The Appraisal Committee is an independent, autonomous panel of experts within the local government that, pursuant to Section 192 of the German Building Code (BauGB), determines standard land values, property interest rates, and market adjustment factors, thereby providing the central data foundation for real estate valuation in Germany.

Tasks and Working Methods of the Appraisal Committee

An Appraisal Committee is established in every independent city and every county. It consists of a chairperson and volunteer appraisers who possess special expertise in the valuation of real estate. Its core tasks include maintaining the purchase price database, deriving standard land values, determining other data necessary for valuation, and preparing real estate market reports.

The purchase price database forms the foundation of the work: every notarized real estate purchase contract is automatically transmitted to the Appraisal Committee. From this database, the committee derives the standard land values, which reflect the average location value of one square meter of undeveloped land in a defined zone. In addition, the Appraisal Committee calculates property interest rates, which are used in the income approach to capitalize income, as well as market adjustment factors (asset value factors), which align the result of the asset value approach with actual market conditions.

Upon request, the Appraisal Committee also prepares market value appraisals in accordance with Section 193 of the German Building Code (BauGB). These are used, for example, in inheritance disputes, divorces, or tax assessments when a legally binding and impartial valuation report is required.

Standard Land Values and Real Estate Market Report

Standard land values are generally determined every two years as of January 1 and published in standard land value maps. In Bavaria, the Standard Land Value Information System (BORIS Bayern) also makes this data available online. Standard land values serve as a guide for purchase decisions, as a basis for tax assessments (property tax, inheritance tax), and as a starting point for qualified valuation reports.

The real estate market report analyzes the year’s transaction activity and provides insights into price developments, sales figures, and trends in various submarkets such as residential building land, condominiums, or single- and two-family homes.

Practical Tip for Nuremberg and the Metropolitan Region

Anyone wishing to buy or sell a property in the Nuremberg metropolitan region should first consult the current standard land values with the Appraisal Committee of the City of Nuremberg. The office is located within the Office for Geoinformation and Land Use Planning and offers both online information via BORIS Bayern and in-person consultation. Standard land values can vary significantly, particularly in sought-after neighborhoods such as Gostenhof, St. Johannis, or Erlenstegen. We recommend using these values as an initial guide and, for larger transactions, having an individual market value appraisal prepared as a supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Appraisal Committee

How much does a market value appraisal from the Appraisal Committee cost?

Fees are based on the determined market value and the complexity of the property. In Nuremberg, the cost of an appraisal for a condominium or a single-family home typically ranges between 1,500 and 3,000 euros. The fee schedule is based on the Bavarian Appraisal Committee Ordinance (GaV).

Are standard land values equivalent to the actual property value?

No. Standard land values reflect an average location value for an undeveloped reference property. Individual factors such as the property’s layout, development status, existing structures, contaminated sites, or special location advantages can cause the actual market value to deviate significantly upward or downward.

Where can we find the standard land values for Nuremberg and the surrounding area?

The standard land values for the city of Nuremberg and the surrounding counties are available online free of charge via the BORIS Bayern portal. Alternatively, the office of the Appraisal Committee provides written information upon request. We are happy to assist our clients in interpreting these values as part of a comprehensive real estate appraisal.

The Nuremberg Appraisal Committee in Practice

The Appraisal Committee for Land Values in the City of Nuremberg regularly publishes real estate market reports that offer valuable guidance for buyers, sellers, and investors. The market report contains purchase price indices for various property types, standard land values by location zone, and analyses of price trends. It is available at the office and provides a well-founded assessment of the market situation in Nuremberg and the counties of the metropolitan region.

The Appraisal Committee’s data also plays a key role in banks’ financing reviews: property interest rates and asset value factors are factored into the determination of the mortgage lending value. Knowing the mortgage lending value of your property allows you to better assess a bank’s willingness to provide financing. We regularly use the Appraisal Committee’s data in our consulting practice and are pleased to interpret this information for our clients.

Difference Between the Upper and Lower Appraisal Committees

In Bavaria, in addition to the local appraisal committees, there is the Upper Appraisal Committee for Real Estate Values in Bavaria (OGA), which acts as an appeals body. Anyone who disagrees with the result of a market value appraisal by the local appraisal committee can file an appeal there. The OGA also produces supra-regional analyses of the development of Bavarian real estate markets, thereby providing an important scientific foundation. For Nuremberg and the metropolitan region, these supra-regional data are particularly insightful because the market here is characterized by very different sub-locations-ranging from high-priced residential areas such as Erlenstegen and Laufamholz to more affordable neighborhoods like Langwasser or Gibitzenhof.

When should you commission an appraisal?

A full market value appraisal is not required in every situation. A qualified real estate market analysis by an experienced real estate agent is often sufficient for an initial overview. However, a formal appraisal is advisable or required in the following situations:

• Inheritance disputes: When heirs need to determine the value of the estate property among themselves or the tax office requires an appraisal.
• Divorce proceedings: When one spouse wishes to take over the jointly owned property and the parties cannot agree on the value.
• Foreclosure proceedings: Courts commission the Appraisal Committee or a publicly appointed expert to determine the value.
• Purchase or sale in an uncertain market situation: Particularly for special properties such as historic buildings, agricultural land, or mixed-use properties.
• Tax disputes with the tax authorities: An appraisal by the Appraisal Committee carries significant evidentiary weight with tax authorities.

If you would like to know whether a brief appraisal (real estate valuation by an expert) or a full appraisal by the Appraisal Committee is the right tool for your needs, please contact us. We offer free consultation and, if necessary, can refer you to qualified appraisers in Nuremberg and throughout the metropolitan region.

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