Capital Gains & Retrospective Appraisals

A retrospective appraisal, sometimes called a retroactive appraisal, gives the market value of a property as of a past date. It provides documented valuation evidence for your accountant, lawyer or other intended user.

When a past-date value helps

Your accountant may ask for a valuation when a home becomes a rental, a rental becomes your home, or a property is transferred or sold. Confirm the required valuation date and purpose with them before ordering.

Retrospective reports are also used for estate matters and separation files. For a value as of the date of death, see Estate & Date-of-Death Appraisals.

We establish the property’s value at the agreed date. Your adviser determines how that value applies to your reporting or legal requirements.

How it works

• You or your accountant give us the effective date.
• For a full appraisal, we arrange an inspection and document changes since the effective date using photographs, plans, permits and other available records.
• Comparable sales are taken from around the effective date, not from today's market.
• The report states the effective date clearly.

What you get

A full appraisal report prepared to professional appraisal standards. It sets out the effective date, the comparable sales, the adjustments and the reasoning behind the value.

Fees and timing

Private and legal appraisals start at $450, plus disbursements and HST, and larger or more complex properties are quoted individually. We confirm the fee in writing before the inspection is scheduled. Typical turnaround is 2–3 business days after the inspection and receipt of all required information. Retrospective and complex assignments can take longer, and we confirm timing with your quote.

Common questions

Is a retroactive appraisal the same thing?

Yes. Retrospective is the professional term, and retroactive means the same thing here.

How far back can you go?

It depends on the records available. We need reliable sales data for the period and information about the property's condition at the time, such as photos, permits and old listings. Older dates can require archival research, and we confirm the data and scope before accepting the assignment.

I renovated after the date I need. Is that a problem?

We need to establish the property’s condition at the effective date. Photographs, receipts and permit records can help us identify later changes and confirm whether there is enough information to proceed.

Do you work outside Cambridge?

Yes. We serve Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, Hamilton, Brantford, Port Rowan and surrounding regions. Additional travel is considered based on the property and assignment. See the service area map.