Question 1

What is a property appraisal?

Accepted Answer

A professional opinion of a property's value, on a specific date and for a specific purpose, built from documents, inspection, the property's characteristics and market analysis. Those last two conditions — date and purpose — are not formalities: the value itself changes when they change.

Question 2

What is the difference between asking price and market value?

Accepted Answer

An asking price is a number a seller wants or a buyer offers. Market value is a professional opinion of what would be expected under stated market conditions on a stated date. Listings show asking prices, which are not necessarily what any property actually sold for.

Question 3

Can you give an accurate figure over the phone?

Accepted Answer

A property can be discussed and a preliminary steer given. But an opinion that will support a decision, or go to an institution, needs data and documents — and an inspection where the purpose requires one.

Question 4

Does a valuation stay valid indefinitely?

Accepted Answer

No. Every value is tied to its date. A shift in the market, in planning status, or in the property's condition or use may call for an updated valuation.

Question 5

Does a valuation guarantee the sale price?

Accepted Answer

No. The report assesses value. The price actually achieved is shaped by negotiation, supply and demand, timing and the terms of the deal.

Question 6

Which documents are needed?

Accepted Answer

It varies by property and purpose, and may include the Land Registry title extract, proof of ownership, cadastral maps and area statements, building permits, and leases. The full list, broken down by situation, is at [Documents Required] → /en/documents-required.

Question 7

What if I do not have all the documents?

Accepted Answer

Send what you have. Identifying what is missing is part of the initial review, and many files begin with partial documents.

Question 8

Is an inspection always required?

Accepted Answer

For most valuation work, yes. Some preliminary reviews can start from documents and photographs, but a report going to an institution normally assumes an actual inspection. An inspection shows what no document can: real condition, surroundings, noise, outlook, quality of finish.

Question 9

Do I need a recent title extract?

Accepted Answer

It helps, because it evidences ownership and any registered charges. But you can start with what you have, and establish what needs to be obtained as the review proceeds.

Question 10

How long does a report take?

Accepted Answer

The timeframe is set after the file is reviewed. It depends on property type, location, document availability, whether an inspection is needed, and how many properties are in the file.

Question 11

What does a valuation cost?

Accepted Answer

There is no single rate, and quoting one for all properties would be misleading. Fees reflect the type and number of properties, location, purpose of the report, inspections required, and the volume of work. They are agreed before work starts.

Question 12

Can unbuilt land be valued?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The analysis covers location, area, shape, road frontage, gradient, access, planning status, potential use, and market factors. Two adjacent plots can differ substantially in value.

Question 13

Can an apartment or house be valued?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Location, area, floor level, age, condition, internal layout, outlook, parking, lift and construction quality all bear on value.

Question 14

Can commercial property be valued?

Accepted Answer

Yes, taking account of the trading location, frontage, access, area, permitted use, building condition, and actual or potential income where it is let.

Question 15

Can the report be used in court?

Accepted Answer

An expert report can be prepared for litigation purposes. In court-appointed instructions, the mission, procedure and deadlines set by the court apply. Final acceptance of the report, and the weight it carries, rest with that court. [Court appraisal](/en/services/court-real-estate-appraisal "cta")

Question 16

Can the report be used for a bank?

Accepted Answer

A valuation can be prepared for banking purposes to the lender's requirements. The institution is identified from the outset, because banks differ in what they require of the expert, the report's format and its approach. [Bank appraisal](/en/services/bank-real-estate-appraisal "cta")

Question 17

Can you guarantee an embassy will accept the report?

Accepted Answer

No. The report is prepared to the instructions the embassy or authority issues, but the decision to accept rests with them alone. That is why the exact wording of their instructions is requested before work begins.

Question 18

Can inherited property be valued?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it is among the most frequent requests. Valuation establishes what each property is worth, allowing shares to be compared and division, sale or settlement to be weighed. [Inheritance valuation and division](/en/services/inheritance-appraisal-division "cta")

Question 19

Is a valuation the same as an estate inventory?

Accepted Answer

No. Valuation answers the question of worth. The estate inventory and the transfer of ownership are separate legal and administrative procedures, and may require a lawyer or a competent authority.

Question 20

Does the appraiser decide the heirs' shares?

Accepted Answer

No. Determining heirs and their legal shares is a legal or judicial matter. The appraiser's role is valuing the properties and the technical questions within the instruction.

Question 21

Can a file be started from abroad?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Documents and details are sent electronically and reviewed, and it then becomes clear what needs an inspection, a power of attorney, or a local representative.

Question 22

Will I need a power of attorney?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the step. Some files need one and some do not. It is worth confirming exactly which document is required before notarising and legalising anything.

Question 23

Can I be represented if I cannot travel?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes — through a properly drawn power of attorney to someone you trust in Lebanon. What that document must say depends on the transaction, which is why the file is reviewed first.

Frequently Asked Questions

About valuation itself

Documents and inspection

Timeframe and cost

Property types

Courts, banks and embassies

Inheritance

From outside Lebanon

Not covered here?