Commercial Appraisal Fees: What Drives the Cost?

When clients ask, “How much does a commercial appraisal cost?” the honest answer is: it depends. At Stein Valuation, we believe in transparency, not just in our reports, but in how we determine appraisal fees. This guide outlines the five key factors that influence commercial appraisal fees and helps clients understand what they’re paying for.

Property Type and Complexity

A single-tenant retail building is not the same as a multi-building industrial park. The more complex the property, the more time and expertise required to analyze it.

Examples:

  • Simple: Small office condo, leased to one tenant

  • Complex: Mixed-use property with retail, residential, and parking components

Location and Market Conditions

Properties in rural or data-scarce markets often require more effort to research and verify comparables. Conversely, urban properties may involve more data—but also more nuance.

Examples:

  • Rural: Limited sales data, wide value ranges

  • Urban: Dense data, but complex zoning overlays or redevelopment pressures

Report Format and Depth

We offer a range of report formats, from restricted-use summaries to full narrative reports. The more detailed the report, the more time it takes to prepare.

Examples:

  • Restricted-Use Appraisal Report: For internal decision-making

  • Appraisal Report: For IRS, litigation, or regulatory compliance

Turnaround Time

Rush assignments compress the research, inspection, and writing timeline. We can accommodate expedited requests, but they typically carry a premium.

Examples:

  • Standard: 3–4 weeks

  • Rush: 1–2 weeks

Purpose of the Appraisal

The intended use of the appraisal directly affects scope, liability, and complexity. Some purposes require deeper analysis, stricter compliance, or courtroom defensibility.

Examples:

  • Low/lower complexity: Internal planning, loan underwriting, IRS reporting

  • High/higher complexity: Litigation support, eminent domain, Other adversarial situations

Still Not Sure?

We’re happy to provide a custom quote after a brief conversation. Our goal is to deliver defensible, transparent valuation—priced fairly for the scope of work involved.