Knowledge and information are vital when making real estate and property-related decisions, as many factors can determine the desirability and investment potential of a property. These boil down to considerations such as location, property type, and potential for development or passive income, among other things. 

Once a property has satisfied some, if not all, of the boxes on a homeowner or investor’s list and discussions have moved on to the next stage, it is important to understand how to determine how the price compares to the market value of the property in question.

Real estate valuation and fair market value can be confusing to the everyday consumer. Here is a brief guide to help you make well-informed decisions.

Market Value vs. Fair Market Value

Market Value is the current worth or presented price of a property as a tangible asset. This is based on calculations and estimations of the current state of the market, its location, age, current state or condition, as well as local market trends and economic conditions. 

Hand on a laptop displaying a property blueprint

Fair Market Value is wholly similar to this, but with the following conditions:

  • Both the buyer and seller are well-informed
  • The transaction is voluntary, with neither party pressured to buy or sell
  • Both parties have ample time to complete the transaction

Put simply, Fair Market Value is the agreed on purchasing price of a given property that both the buyer and seller can agree on, without pressure, after considering all available information and prospects.

Professional Valuation and Appraisal Services 

Defining a property’s market and fair market value is one thing, but calculating and determining it is another. Even the most pragmatic individuals can find this process challenging due to the complexities of real estate, zoning, and taxation. Therefore, it’s best to leave valuation and appraisal to seasoned professionals.

At Santos Knight Frank, our valuation department consists of licensed professionals who specialize in determining the value of a property, whether it be a studio-type condominium unit or a luxury home with developable land. 

Our team meticulously inspects each property, evaluates zonal values, looks into tax laws, and provides estimates based on these factors, current market health, and projections. If required, our team also conducts comparable sales appraisals by looking into recently sold similar properties.

The Advantages of Staying Informed

Whether buying or selling a property, employing the valuation services of a qualified appraiser is invaluable when it comes to acquiring a fair and accurate estimation of a given property’s value. With the appraiser handling the computational legwork, one can rest assured and have peace of mind knowing that they will not overlook anything, keep everything in order, and leave only well-informed decisions to be made.

As the real estate market continues to grow and evolve, keeping well-informed of a property’s value is paramount in determining when to buy and when to sell. A comprehensive appraisal can help with just that.

Find media contacts, and get access to news releases and announcements.

About Santos Knight Frank

The world of real estate can be a difficult place to navigate. Whether property is your investment or a tool that drives your business success, you need a partner who can guide you in every step of the way.

Since 1994, Santos Knight Frank has been guiding Fortune 1000 companies, BPOs, private clients, and institutions in all facets of real estate. We advise companies on their best office, retail, and industrial location, oversee commercial fit-out projects, and manage facilities. We have facilitated over 4 million sqm of office transactions on behalf of clients and managed over 40 million sqm of real estate under our property & facilities management arm.

Our residential brokerage platform and wide collection of bespoke homes allow our private clients to buy, lease, and sell properties within their budget, timeline, and lifestyle.

For landlords and investors, we provide valuations and appraisal, consultancy and research, sales and leasing, and property management services across the Philippines.

Santos Knight Frank is part of the global Knight Frank network of over 384 offices in 51 markets, including the strategically important U.S. partnerships with Cresa (commercial real estate) and Douglas Elliman (residential real estate).

We are locally expert and globally connected, end-to-end and best-in-class – as any great partner in property should be.