Our Services
Rivington Commercial Appraisers provides independent commercial real estate appraisal and consulting services across Eastern Ontario. Our team delivers impartial, market-supported valuation analysis in accordance with the professional standards of the Appraisal Institute of Canada and maintains comprehensive errors and omissions insurance.
At Rivington Commercial Appraisers we offer an array of comprehensive appraisal and consulting services tailored to help you effectively navigate the commercial real estate industry.
Commercial Real Estate Property Appraisals
Rivington Commercial Appraisers provides appraisal and consulting services for a broad range of commercial property types and development projects throughout Ontario. Assignments may include current market valuations, hypothetical pre-construction “as if complete” valuations for proposed developments, retrospective and prospective valuations, and specialized assignments such as expropriation cash-in-lieu of parkland dedication analyses.
Typical Assignment Scopes
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Current market valuations.
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Hypothetical pre-construction “as if complete” valuations for proposed developments.
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Retrospective valuations (valuation dates in the past).
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Ecological Gift (Ecogift) and estate tax planning valuations.
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Cash-in-lieu of parkland analyses.
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Expropriation, injurious affection, and partial taking valuations.
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Property tax assessment appeal support.
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Matrimonial, litigation support, and expert witness assignments.
THE COMMERCIAL APPRAISAL PROCESS
Our appraisal process begins by defining the scope of work and understanding the purpose of the assignment. This ensures that the valuation approach is appropriate for the property and the client’s needs.
At the outset of an assignment, we may require relevant information from the client, such as property documentation, financial information, leases, surveys, or other materials that assist in understanding the asset. An on-site inspection is typically conducted to evaluate the property’s physical characteristics, condition, improvements, and surrounding market context.
Our analysis incorporates current market evidence, including comparable transactions, market conditions, and other relevant data. Using established valuation methodologies and professional judgment, we develop a well-supported opinion of value consistent with recognized appraisal standards.
The results are presented in a professionally prepared concise narrative appraisal report that clearly explains the research, analysis, and conclusions supporting the valuation. Our objective is to deliver a credible, well-supported opinion of value that meets the needs of the intended user, be it a lender, investor, legal professional, or the property owner.
Your Property. Our Expertise.
A summery of commercial real estate properties and buildings we regularly appraise.
Agricultural and Farming Properties
Specialty Crop Farms (orchards, vineyards, greenhouses, maple syrup, etc.)
Mixed Farming Operations
Livestock Operations (beef, poultry, hog, etc.)
Cash Crop Farms
Grain Elevators
Dairy Farms
Commercial Properties
Multi-residential Properties
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apartments and condominiums
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low-rise and townhome communities
Mixed-use Residential and Commercial Properties
Single-tenant Commercial Properties
Shopping Centres
Retail Plazas
Multi-tenant Retail Centres
Restaurant and Food Service Properties
Professional Office Condominiums
Office Buildings
Land
Residential Development and Subdivision Land
Apartment Development Land
Agricultural and Rural Land Holdings
Commercial and Mixed-use Development Land
Industrial Development Land
Large Land Holdings
Landlocked, Surplus, and Non-viable Land
Industrial Properties
Contractor Workshops and Service Garages
Warehouse and Distribution Facilities
Manufacturing Facilities
Flex Industrial Buildings and Industrial Condominiums
Specialty-use Industrial Facilities
Special Purpose Properties
Full-Service and Limited-Service Hotels
Tourist Resorts and Boutique Inns
Motels, Campgrounds, RV and Trailer Parks
Golf Courses, Ski Resorts and Recreational Resorts
Gas Stations, Car Washes and Convenience Stores
Branded Automotive Dealerships
Marinas and Fishing Lodges
Self-storage Facilities
Equestrian Facilities
Institutional Properties
Government and Community Service Properties
Public/Private Schools and Daycare Centres
Assisted Living and Senior Housing Facilities
Religious Facilities
On-site Commercial Property Assessments
An on-site commercial property assessment is a comprehensive physical inspection conducted by one of our appraisers to evaluate the condition, functionality, and characteristics of a commercial asset. This inspection forms a critical component of the valuation process and ensures an accurate, well-supported appraisal.
During the site visit, our appraiser assesses the overall building condition, construction quality, and level of maintenance. This includes reviewing structural elements, roofing, exterior finishes, interior layouts, and any recent renovations or upgrades. Our appraiser will also evaluate site features and improvements, including parking areas, access points, landscaping, drainage, and compliance with zoning or use regulations.
For income-producing properties, the inspection may include a review of tenant spaces, common areas, and overall market appeal. Photographs are taken to document the property, and observations are recorded to support the final valuation analysis.
The result is a thorough, unbiased assessment that provides clients with a clear understanding of the property’s physical state, strengths, limitations, and market positioning to support informed decisions for financing, acquisition, disposition, or asset management.
Common Approaches to Commercial Real Estate Appraisal
Commercial real estate appraisers use three main approaches to help derive their estimates. Individually, each one of these techniques has its limitations, however, when paired with other methods these approaches help produce accurate appraisals.
DIRECT COMPARISON APPROACH
When using the Direct Comparison Approach, appraisers seek out recently sold properties with similar characteristics in the same region, then compare the properties; deducting and increasing value for comparative deficiencies or advantages.
This method is effective for assessing a wide variety of real estate, so long as there are a sufficient number of comparable properties indicating true trends in the market. The more comparable sales, the stronger the final analysis.
If the market is weak and there are few comparables available, the utility of this method is limited. In those cases, it is used in conjunction with other approaches this approach can be a helpful tool for deriving the value of a property.
INCOME APPROACH
A major basis for the valuation of a revenue-producing property or buildings, as they are purchased primarily for income earning capacity. This method uses a series of calculations to convert the gross potential income of a property into an estimated net operating income. This income is either capitalized by applying an appropriate rate or converted into a present value through a discounted cash flow analysis. Income is validated by the appraiser using our extensive database of market rents, while expenses are verified based on similar properties using operating expense ratios.
Appraisers cannot always guarantee the future income and expenses of a property, as they fluctuate over time. Nevertheless, this approach provides insight when assessing the value of commercial real estate, especially when paired with other methods.
COST APPROACH
When using the Cost Approach, appraisers assume that the value of a property is equal to the replacement cost of the structures on the property (minus depreciation) plus the market value of the land itself. This method requires a thorough knowledge of material costs and construction.
While the Cost Approach can offer some idea of a property's value, it does not adequately capture many of the nuances of commercial real estate. For example, a hotel built in an inaccessible location may be wort far less than the cost of replacing the building since potential buyers would likely view it as a poor investment. This leading to it being the least commonly used approach.
The Cost Approach is used more as a tool to help assess certain aspects of a property.
Rivington's Tools For Success
Having access to current information is critical for providing accurate, reliable appraisals. Rivington Commercial Appraisers draw from an extensive collection of resources, including valuable in-house records. Using information technology applications, we track and document all sales within our market area; this provides us with a powerful and continuously-growing database. We also use the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) data, the Province's Land Registry information on Teranet and Geo Warehouse, area real estate boards, and online sales data. These invaluable resources help give us a complete picture when understanding regional market trends and conditions.
We've built our reputation on the principles of objectivity and integrity. As members of the Appraisal Institute of Canada and the Canadian Real Estate Association, our services are governed by a Code of Ethics and Uniform Standards of Professional Practice. The Institute provides all members with errors and omissions liability insurance coverage while they are providing appraisal and consulting services.
Litigation and Property Tax Support
Across both litigation and tax engagements, our commercial real estate appraisers provide clarity, risk mitigation, and confidence for our clients. Their independent, market-based conclusions help ensure that valuation opinions are transparent, defensible, and aligned with Ontario legal regulations to support our clients as they navigate complex financial and legal processes with informed, reliable guidance.
Whether addressing disputes involving property value, damages, expropriation, or assessment fairness, qualified appraisers offer objective analysis that helps legal counsel, tribunals, and courts clearly understand complex real estate issues.
Litigation
In litigation support, commercial appraisers prepare defensible valuation reports suitable for negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and court proceedings. This may include retrospective or effective-date valuations, highest and best use analysis, rental and income loss assessments, and market impact studies.
Appraisers often work closely with legal teams to ensure valuation approaches align with Ontario legislation, case law, and professional standards such as the Canadian Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (CUSPAP).
Property Tax
For tax support, appraisers assist property owners, investors, and advisors with property tax assessment appeals, expropriation compensation, estate planning, capital gains matters, and corporate or partnership restructuring.
By analyzing market value in relation to assessed value and income performance, appraisers help clients identify inequities, support appeals before the Assessment Review Board (ARB), and provide credible valuation support for discussions with the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC), the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), and other authorities.
Agricultural Properties &
Farming Operations
Agricultural property valuations require a strong understanding of both real estate markets and the operational characteristics that influence farm value. At Rivington Appraisers, we provide appraisal services for a wide range of agricultural assets, including grain elevators, dairy farms, beef farms, livestock operations, cash crop farms, equestrian properties, and hobby farms.
Our team considers factors such as land productivity, soil composition, drainage, farm improvements, barns and specialized infrastructure, and regional agricultural market conditions. Whether the assignment is for financing, estate planning, purchase or sale decisions, litigation support, or other consulting purposes, our appraisals provide clear, well-supported analysis tailored to the unique nature of agricultural and rural properties.
Commercial Appraisal &
Market Research Consulting
Ascommercial real estate appraisers, we can support clients in a consulting capacity by providing independent, data-driven market analysis aligned with Canadian and Ontario real estate standards. Beyond valuation, our team can offer objective insight into market conditions that influence property performance, risk, and long-term value.
Consulting services include market rent and vacancy analysis, sales and leasing trend research, absorption studies, and supply-and-demand assessment across local and regional markets. Appraisers also provide guidance related to highest and best use, zoning and land-use considerations, development potential, and feasibility for proposed or transitional properties.
These services support a wide range of clients (property owners, lenders, investors, developers, municipalities, and public-sector organizations) in decisions related to financing, acquisition, disposition, redevelopment, expropriation, and asset management.
By applying rigorous market research and professional judgment consistent with CUSPAP standards, our appraisers deliver clear, defensible insights that help clients navigate Ontario’s evolving real estate market with confidence and clarity.
