Valuation of real estate, inheritance, gift and real estate transfer tax

If you acquire real estate in Hamburg, it may be necessary under certain circumstances for it to be valued for tax purposes. The following explains when a valuation is required.

Detailed description

If you inherit, receive as a gift, or otherwise acquire real estate in Hamburg and no consideration has been given for it, or if such consideration cannot be determined, a standardized assessed value must be determined for the purposes of inheritance, gift, or real estate transfer tax. This valuation is carried out by the tax authorities.

This needs-based valuation has as its target value the "fair market value" on the valuation date (i.e. the date of death or the date of gift or acquisition).
In this context, "fair market value" is the tax law term for the price that could be obtained in ordinary business transactions (market value).
The tax-based valuation of real estate uses values or individual value factors determined by expert committees according to building regulations, depending on the specific type of property and the legally prescribed valuation method. This approach generally comes very close to the "market value." However, it is a standardized procedure that allows the tax authorities to quickly assess a large number of properties. The tax authorities do not prepare individual appraisals for each property. Therefore, in some cases, there can be significant deviations from the market value, as structural features are not considered in this procedure. This is a key difference compared to appraisals by certified experts.

You cannot request the property valuation; it is carried out automatically by the authorities in accordance with legal regulations. You are obligated to provide information and cooperate in the process.

 

Information

Prerequisites

  • Submission of declaration of findings

Documents required

  • Declaration for the determination of the required value - personal data (BBW 1)
  • Property (BBW 2)
  • as well as any other forms that may be necessary, depending on the type of property.

Please note

The tax office does not prepare market value appraisals.



If you believe your property has a different value, you can submit a corresponding market value appraisal (which must meet certain requirements) as of the relevant valuation date. As proof of a lower fair market value, the purchase price of the property within one year before or after the valuation date can also serve, provided its circumstances have not changed significantly, for example, due to demolition, renovation, or new construction on the property.

Deadlines

The tax office will inform you of the deadline for filing your declaration.

Procedure

After the tax office has requested you to submit a declaration of assessment, you must complete and submit it.


The tax office will then determine a assessed value and inform you and the office responsible for inheritance, gift or real estate transfer tax of this value by means of a notice of assessment.



As a result, you (or, if applicable, a different taxpayer) will receive a corresponding tax assessment based on this valuation. If you have already received a tax assessment, it can be amended based on this valuation.

Processing time

The processing usually takes about 40 weeks, but in individual cases it can sometimes take significantly longer.

Fees

No

Legal remedies


  • Objection

  • Lawsuit before the tax court

Legal basis

Section 153 Valuation Act


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bewg/__153.html

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Keywords: Real estate value needs assessment Indicative value assessment of needs Needs assessment Uniform valuation of land for inheritance, gift and transfer tax purposes Property value needs assessment Tax office number 20 needs assessment Assessment of the needs of real estate Business assets in the event of a gift, inheritance or purchase of land

Last updated: 17.05.2026