Valuing a Property
Valuing a property means determining its market value, that is, the price at which it could reasonably be sold under normal market conditions. A reliable valuation relies on real transaction data (the DVF database from the French Public Finances Directorate, DGFiP), on a rigorous comparison method, and on taking the property's own characteristics into account: floor area, floor level, aspect, condition, and since 2021 the energy performance (the energy performance certificate, or DPE). This guide details every step and every data source so that you can arrive at a credible price range, whether you are selling, buying, or simply wish to track the value of your assets. The questions below cover official data, professional methods, and the factors that make a price per square metre vary.
All questions
To value a property, you determine its market value by comparison with recent sales of similar properties in the same area. You start from a reference price per square metre, then adjust it according to floor area, floor level, condition, aspect and the energy performance certificate (DPE).
The Demandes de valeurs foncières (DVF, requests for land values) is a public database from the DGFiP listing property sales made in France over roughly the past five years. It shows the price, floor area, address and nature of each property, drawn from notarial deeds and the land registry. Access is free and open.
An online valuation gives an instant, free range from statistical data, useful to get your bearings. An agency's opinion of value, free of charge, refines the price after a visit. An independent professional's appraisal, paid for, produces a detailed, reasoned report, useful for official use or in the event of a dispute.
The comparison method values a property from the recent sale prices of similar properties located in the same area. You select comparable transactions, derive a reference price per square metre, then adjust it for the differences (floor area, floor level, condition, aspect, energy label). It is the benchmark method for residential property.
A property's price depends first on its location, then on its own characteristics: floor area, floor level and the presence of a lift, aspect and light, general condition and work to be planned, outdoor space (balcony, terrace, garden), and since 2021 the energy class of the DPE, which now weighs heavily on value.
It is advisable to re-value a property about once a year to track market changes, and systematically before any sale, as a price can quickly become disconnected from the market. A re-valuation is also called for at key events: inheritance, gift, divorce, major work or a change of DPE.
Thinking of selling your property?
Briveo is a licensed French estate agency (loi Hoguet professional licence). Get a free valuation of your property, based on actual transactions published by the DGFiP (DVF open data).
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