The value of an object is not an objective fact.
Stage for the appraiser
Although the real estate sector is constantly changing, one role remains conspicuously underexposed: that of the appraiser. While real estate deals, financing, and strategic real estate decisions rely on their judgment, these professionals rarely take center stage. That is a shame and, above all, unjust. The appraiser is the silent force that ensures trust, substantiation, and continuity. As far as I am concerned, it is high time to put the profession on a pedestal, both literally and figuratively.
Craftsmanship, transparency, and trust
The value of an object is not an objective fact. Market factors, expected returns, contractual certainties, legal aspects, and physical characteristics all come together in a single figure: the value. Estimating this value requires knowledge, experience, methodological insight, and independence. And that is precisely what lies at the heart of the profession of appraiser.
What a doctor is to health, an appraiser is to the value economy of real estate. Yet the profession rarely takes center stage. The focus is often on investors, developers, or advisors, while the appraiser is actually the driving force behind it all. He or she ensures verifiability, objectivity, and a level playing field.
However, therein lies the challenge: the value of an appraiser is rarely seen as strategic. Too often, appraisals are considered a mandatory part of financing processes or purchases and sales. That is a misconception, and we need to work together to change that.
Innovation as a reinforcement of the profession
At KATE Innovations, we develop technology that makes valuation processes more transparent, efficient, and reliable. This raises concerns for some: “Will this replace craftsmanship?” On the contrary. Technology takes over routine work, creating more room for analysis, content, and professional judgment.
Banks, investors, and regulators are now placing increasingly high demands on the quality of appraisals. ESG data, sustainability scores, risk assessments—it’s all part of the job. The modern appraiser is data-driven, communicative, and professionally sharp. In short: an indispensable link in a complex value chain.
That is precisely why we must ensure that the profession remains attractive. Not only for the current generation, but certainly also for young professionals seeking a meaningful career. It starts with visibility, inspiration, and collaboration.
The Valuation Knowledge Center at PROVADA
To increase this visibility, we have launched the Taxatie Kennisplein (Valuation Knowledge Square) at PROVADA 2025, together with nine partners. This initiative has a clear goal: to put the profession on the map, share knowledge, attract talent, and radiate pride. For three days, the valuer will take center stage, providing content, connecting people, and making the profession accessible.
On Tuesday, June 17, we kick off with “Tech Tuesday,” which focuses on digitization, technology, and AI. KATE Innovations will show how AI and appraisers together form the new dream team. This will be followed by a session from SBR Nexus and KATE on digitization and data standards. CFP will show how sustainability is accelerated with the Green Buildings Tool, followed by RICS exploring the role of ESG in appraisals. Envalue will conclude the substantive program with a look at the next steps in valuation and advice with AI. The day will end informally with the BAR-NAR drinks reception, the perfect place to chat and network with professionals from the real estate and valuation world.
Expert Wednesday focuses on substantive sessions covering various areas of expertise. For example, ABN AMRO will be joining forces with Vastgoed Nederland to discuss the question: Who determines the property value? The expert or the lender? This will be followed by sessions by Van de Weerd on exploitation-related real estate, Troostwijk on making obsolete real estate more sustainable, and Dynamis on the power of national players in the region. CFP Green Buildings, Capital Value, and ValuNed will conclude the day with a session on the impact of sustainability on healthcare real estate.
Thursday is all about the new generation of appraisers. Under the guidance of IPD LEO and KATE, we will discuss the skills of the future. We are also organizing a speed dating session with all partners, especially for students and young professionals who are considering a career in the field. There will also be a LinkedIn Boost Corner where visitors can enhance their profile with a professional photo and personal advice.
The appraiser as a strategic partner
What we will be demonstrating above all during these three days is that the profession is alive and well. There is energy, knowledge, and movement. At the same time, there is work to be done. If we want appraisers to have a strategic seat at the table when investment decisions are made, we must ensure their position, training, and recognition.
We need to move away from the idea that valuation is just a mandatory checkbox. The valuer is an independent expert who provides insight into risks, opportunities, and value development. Especially at a time when sustainability, vacancy, and transformation issues are becoming more complex, the need for astute valuation is only increasing.
Strong together for the profession
The strength of the Taxatie Kennisplein lies in collaboration. Partners such as CFP Green Buildings, RICS, Van de Weerd, SBR Nexus, Dynamis, Troostwijk, Envalue, Capital Value, CFP Green Buildings, IPD LEO, and of course KATE Innovations are joining forces to showcase what the profession has to offer. It is a collective movement. Not a commercial show, but a professional platform with a vision for the future.
I hope this is the start of a broader movement in which we see appraisers not only as executors, but as substantive experts. Professionals who bring calm to a hectic market, who provide insight where there is uncertainty, and who make the difference between a good or bad decision.
The appraiser deserves the spotlight
In the coming years, value creation in real estate will increasingly be linked to social themes: sustainability, affordability, livability. The appraiser plays a key role in this. How do you measure the value of a sustainable building? How do you compare real estate with different operating models? And how do you provide insight into risks for financiers and investors?
The answer is not simple. But one thing is certain: without reliable and well-founded valuations, answers will remain elusive. And that is precisely why the valuer deserves the spotlight. Not only during PROVADA, but every day.