Calculating property value: how much is my home worth?
Having a property professionally valued can reduce the risk of selling a house or apartment below its market value. Comparis explains how to get the valuation right.
10.06.2025
iStock / Thai Noipho
1. What is a property valuation?
A property valuation is used to determine the current market value of a property, usually for sale, financing, inheritance or tax purposes. A wide range of factors, such as the location, condition and standard of development of the property, are taken into account for the valuation. Various methods are used to determine the value.
A property valuation is necessary in a great many situations and serves as an objective basis for making a decision for numerous purposes. Here are some examples:
House sale: the calculation of the property value serves as the basis for price negotiations between the seller and the buyer.
Property financing: financial institutions need the property value to calculate the mortgage. This is a key figure for determining the maximum amount of the loan.
Tax and legal purposes: in the case of inheritances, gifts or divorces, the property value is crucial for a fair and legally compliant division of assets.
2. Calculating the property value online: can I value a property myself?
As a first point of reference, you can value a property yourself, for example, using an online valuation. You can carry out this kind of valuation via Comparis, for example.
The estimate is based on current property market prices, the property location and your property's specific features.
Good to know
Online property valuation tools give you a good initial indication of the market value of your property. However, it is often worth getting a professional valuation as well, as they are not always accurate.
3. How is the property value calculated professionally?
Different valuation methods are used depending on the intended use and type of property. Property experts primarily use the following methods:
Hedonic estimate: in this method, a property’s value is determined by comparing it to similar properties that have been sold. The market value is derived from the values at which similar houses have been sold. This model is mainly suitable for standard types of owner-occupied property.
Capitalised income method and discounted cash flow (DCF) method: both of these methods are used to determine the value of investment properties. In principle, they calculate the value of a property based on the expected net rental income.
value method: the property’s overall value is based on the value of the land and the fair value of the building on that land. This method is usually used for properties with special characteristics (e.g. luxury or unique properties) .
4. What are the advantages of professional valuations?
Private sellers often assess the current market situation inaccurately. Example: having to walk 15 minutes to the nearest bus stop is part of your everyday life. For potential buyers, this may be an argument against the purchase.
This results in price expectations that aren’t in line with the market. Setting too high a price can unnecessarily prolong the selling process. If you set your price too low, you may end up giving money away. With this in mind, it may be a good idea to consult an expert to have your property valued.
5. How much does a property valuation cost in Switzerland?
The cost of calculating a property's value varies depending on the type of valuation, provider and the complexity of the property.
An online valuation to give you an initial indication of the property's value is usually free of charge.
You should expect to pay at least 1,000 francs for a detailed appraisal by an expert.
A brief appraisal by an estate agent costs around 200 to 500 francs. If you then sell the property through the same estate agency, the fee for the valuation is usually included in the estate agent's commission.
6. Determining a property’s value: which criteria come into play?
A property's estimated value is based on numerous criteria.
Examples:
Regional property market
Location and immediate surroundings (access to public transport, educational institutions, shopping centres and recreational areas)
Density of surrounding land development
Facilities such as car parking spaces
Year of construction
Floor plan and living space/land value
Standard of development and energy efficiency of the property
Possibly the regional price history
7. Tips to increase the value of your property
Targeted investments are particularly effective in increasing the value of your property. Here are some tips:
One of the most sustainable ways to increase the value of a property is to improve its energy efficiency. Examples include:
Replacing old windows with modern, well-insulated models
Installation of a heat pump or solar energy plant
Subsequent insulation of the roof and façade
These measures not only reduce the day-to-day energy and heating costs, but also significantly increase the property value.
Modern, high-quality kitchens and bathrooms are important decision-making criteria for potential buyers. As a result, they significantly increase the property value.
More usable living space is a key factor in increasing the value of a property – especially in Switzerland, where space is often scarce and expensive. You can increase the usable space by building an extension or a conservatory. You can also convert the attic or the basement.
A well-maintained property not only makes a positive first impression, but also impacts the market value. For example, repaint the walls, renew the floor coverings and maintain the outdoor area.
This article was first published on 08.08.2019
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