The ideal price isn’t set by you — it’s defined by the market (and a good appraisal reveals it)
One of the most common mistakes when selling a property in Mexico is setting the price “by eye,” without technical support. Many homeowners base their price on what they paid for their house years ago, what a neighbor says, or what they would like to get. The result: the property sits on the market for months (or years) without selling.
The solution is to obtain a professional real estate appraisal, a document that accurately calculates the commercial value of your property based on its location, characteristics, and actual market behavior.
Here we explain what an appraisal is, how it’s done, how much it costs, and why it can be your best tool for selling successfully in 2026.
What Is a Real Estate Appraisal?
It is a technical report prepared by a certified appraiser that determines the true value of a property at a specific point in time. This document is used by buyers, sellers, banks, notaries, and tax authorities.
What Is an Appraisal For?
• To sell your home at a competitive price
• To support the value of a sale before a notary
• To apply for a mortgage loan
• For inheritances, divorces, tax procedures, or title regularization
Key fact: Mexico’s Tax Administration Service (SAT) and banks only recognize appraisals conducted by registered certified appraisers.
How Is a Property’s Value Calculated?
The appraiser considers:
• Location and area appreciation
• Land and construction size
• Age and physical condition
• Urban infrastructure (schools, hospitals, transportation)
• Comparable sales in the area (market approach)
Additionally, technical methods such as the sales comparison approach, residual method, or income capitalization method are applied depending on the type of property.
How Much Does a Real Estate Appraisal Cost in Mexico?
In 2026, average prices are:
• Single-family home: between $3,000 and $6,000 MXN
• Apartments: between $2,500 and $5,000 MXN
• Land or commercial properties: from $6,000 up to $20,000 MXN or more
The price may vary depending on the location, size of the property, and complexity of the analysis.
How Long Does It Take?
The process typically takes between 3 and 5 business days. If it is for a mortgage loan, the timeline may extend depending on the bank or financial institution.
Who Can Perform an Appraisal?
The appraisal must be carried out by a certified appraiser with a valid registration before:
• SAT (Tax Administration Service)
• National Institute for the Administration and Appraisal of National Assets (INDAABIN)
• Banking institutions
• Courts or local authorities
Coldwell Banker Mexico works with validated appraisers nationwide, ensuring accuracy and official validity.
What Does an Appraisal Include?
A complete real estate appraisal includes:
• Property details (dimensions, boundaries, location)
• Photographs and sketches
• Comparative market analysis
• Applied valuation method
• Final estimated value
• Appraiser’s signature and professional license number
How to Use It to Sell Your Home More Effectively
A well-prepared appraisal allows you to:
• Set a fair and competitive price
• Reduce time on the market
• Avoid exhausting, unfounded negotiations
• Increase buyer and real estate advisor confidence
Real Cases: Selling With and Without an Appraisal
Case A: Without an Appraisal
Luis listed his home in Narvarte at $6 million, but the market was buying at $5.2M. It took him 8 months to sell after lowering the price three times.
Case B: With an Appraisal
Claudia hired a certified appraiser. Her appraisal came in at $5.15M. The property sold in 45 days, without price haggling.
Conclusion
Selling your home without knowing its true value is like sailing without a compass. A professional appraisal is more than a requirement — it’s a strategic investment.
At Coldwell Banker Real Estate, we help you determine your property’s value and design the best strategy to sell it at the right price, in the shortest possible time.
Sources Used
- INDAABIN – Valuation Guide: https://www.gob.mx/indaabin
- Condusef – Appraisals in Mortgage Loans: https://www.gob.mx/condusef/articulos/que-es-un-avaluo
- Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals (AMPI): https://ampi.org
- SAT – Registered Appraisers: https://www.sat.gob.mx/consultas/valores-referenciales
