Question 1

How much does a home appraisal cost in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Standard urban residential appraisals typically range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand depending on complexity, location, and report type. Rural, luxury, retrospective, and narrative legal reports cost more.

Question 2

How long does a residential appraisal take?

Accepted Answer

Most standard residential reports are delivered within a few business days after inspection. Complex, rural, or narrative reports take longer.

Question 3

Can I choose my own appraiser?

Accepted Answer

For A-lender mortgages, the lender orders through a panel. For private, legal, estate, tax, and pre-listing purposes, you generally choose your own qualified appraiser.

Question 4

Is HomeAppraisers.ca an appraisal firm?

Accepted Answer

No. We are an independent directory. We help you find and compare appraisers, but the report is produced by the appraiser you hire.

Question 5

AACI vs. CRA — what's the difference?

Accepted Answer

Both are AIC designations. CRA covers residential properties up to four units; AACI covers all property types including complex residential, commercial, and litigation work.

Question 6

What is CUSPAP?

Accepted Answer

The Canadian Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice — the standards AIC members must follow.

Question 7

What is an AVM and is it enough?

Accepted Answer

An AVM is an automated value estimate. It can be useful for screening and low-stakes decisions, but is rarely accepted for legal, estate, tax, or formal lender work.

Question 8

How do I verify an appraiser's designation?

Accepted Answer

Use the AIC's public member search at AICanada.ca. We link to it on every appraiser profile page.

Question 9

Can one spouse hire the appraiser in a divorce?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but joint retainers carry the most weight. If you hire alone, the other spouse may commission a second opinion or challenge yours.

Question 10

What's the effective date for an estate appraisal?

Accepted Answer

Usually the date of death. Your estate lawyer or accountant can confirm.

Question 11

What if my appraisal comes in low?

Accepted Answer

Ask your broker about a Reconsideration of Value (ROV) and provide better comparable evidence. See our low-appraisal guide.

Question 12

Can I appeal my property tax assessment with an appraisal?

Accepted Answer

Yes. An independent appraisal aligned to your province's valuation date is the strongest single piece of evidence in most assessment appeals.

Question 13

Do you charge to request quotes?

Accepted Answer

No. Requesting quotes through HomeAppraisers.ca is free for consumers.

Question 14

Do you sell my information?

Accepted Answer

We share your details only with the providers you ask us to route to — and use them to follow up on your request.

Question 15

Are listings paid?

Accepted Answer

Some listings may be promoted. See our advertising disclosure for full details.

Home appraisal FAQ

Tell us about your property