How does Walter calculate home values?

Step 1: Finding Comparable Homes

First, we start with what’s called a Comparative Market Analysis. Don’t let the name scare you—it just means we look for homes that are similar in type, size, and location to the one you’re interested in. These are your "reference homes." Our computer model scans thousands of data points to find the best matches based on:

• Recent sales: Homes sold in the past three years, preferably the most recent.
• Similar characteristics: The same type of home (terraced, detached, etc.), built around the same time (within 10 years), and with comparable living space and lot size (ideally within 10%).
• Location: We prioritize homes in the same street or neighborhood. If that’s not possible, we look further afield, but always with corrections to account for differences.

Step 2: Adjusting for Differences

No two homes are exactly alike. That’s where corrections come in. We tweak the reference homes to estimate what they would’ve been worth if they were exactly like your home and sold today. Here’s what we adjust for:

• Market Trends: Prices change over time, so we update older sale prices using official market indices (like the CBS house price index).
• Neighborhood Differences: Even in the same city, some neighborhoods are pricier than others. A reference home from a cheaper area will be adjusted up, and vice versa.
• Size Matters: Larger homes tend to have a lower cost per square meter (€ per m²). So, we correct for size differences to keep things fair.

Step 3: Putting It All Together

Once we’ve adjusted at least three reference homes, we take the average of their updated values. This gives us a reliable estimate of your home’s value. And because we look at multiple homes, we avoid wild outliers skewing the results.

The Human Touch

Here’s the secret sauce: Our Walter Experts. While our computer model does the heavy lifting, our experts ensure the final calculation makes sense. They look at factors like:

• Interior features (luxury finishes, renovations, etc.)
• Unique elements like a swimming pool or stunning views
• Ground lease conditions (e.g., leasehold vs. freehold)
• Local quirks, like a busy road or nearby amenities

Why It Matters to You

Walter’s process gives you two key figures:

1. Home Value: What the property is objectively worth based on the data.
2. Winning Bid Estimate: What it might take to secure the home in today’s market.

These numbers empower you to make smarter decisions. Whether you're planning to bid aggressively or spot an opportunity to underbid, you’ll know exactly where you stand.

Ready to See It in Action?

Curious about what your home of interest is really worth? Create Walter’s Property Report for free in minutes and take the first step toward buying with confidence. It’s data you can trust, delivered in a way you’ll understand.

Let’s get started!