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About Appraisers

What does an appraiser do, and why would I need an appraisal?

In Ontario, professional appraisers provide independent, unbiased opinions of value for all types of real estate, including residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and special-use properties. Their work supports critical decisions related to financing, estates administration, matrimonial decision-making, buying, selling, leasing, taxation, insurance, litigation, and investment.

For residential clients, appraisals are generally required by mortgage lenders to confirm a property's market value. For buyers and sellers, an appraisal provides confidence in pricing. For those refinancing, an up-to-date appraisal can affect loan terms.In the commercial sector, appraisals are essential for a wide range of purposes—including securing financing for development projects, assessing investment viability, supporting lease negotiations, and guiding corporate or institutional real estate strategies. Commercial appraisers apply advanced valuation techniques and draw on deep knowledge of market forces, income potential, and property-specific considerations.

What do appraisers consider when valuing a property?

Appraisers begin by researching public records, market trends, and relevant data on similar properties. They conduct an inspection to assess the property’s condition, layout, construction, upgrades, and site characteristics.

For commercial properties, they also examine rental income, operating expenses, tenant profiles, zoning, and location-specific dynamics. The valuation may include multiple approaches—such as the cost, income, and direct comparison methods—depending on the property type and assignment.

What's included in an appraisal report?

An appraisal report typically includes:

A detailed description of the property and surrounding area
An analysis of the property's “highest and best use” (or more simply, the most profitable use)
An analysis of comparable properties relying on recent sales or listings of similar properties
Market insights and trends relevant to the property type and location
Methodology and rationale supporting the appraised value

Interested in becoming an appraiser?

Appraisers in Canada must complete rigorous education and experience requirements and are regulated through professional organizations like the Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC). Members may focus on residential or commercial appraisal—or both—with designations that reflect their training, competency, and areas of practice.

Commercial real estate appraisal is a specialized and in-demand field, offering opportunities to work on complex, high-value assignments across sectors such as office, retail, industrial, and multi-residential. In Ontario, AIC-designated appraisers are trusted partners in real estate decision-making, delivering expertise, integrity, and professionalism.

See below for the types of membership you can apply for with AIC Ontario.

Paths to Designation

A Collaborative Path to Your Appraisal Designation

The path to becoming a designated appraiser involves both the Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC) and AIC Ontario. As a candidate, you’ll complete the education and experience requirements for either the CRA or AACI designation through AIC’s national framework. As a candidate and a designated appraiser, your professional responsibilities and ongoing development are supported jointly by AIC and AIC Ontario.

Your membership dues are paid through AIC, with a portion allocated to AIC Ontario and your local chapter. To maintain your designation, you’ll be required to complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits, attend Professional Practice Seminars, and stay engaged with the profession through webinars, conferences, and chapter events.

AIC Ontario is your provincial partner—providing the support, resources, and community you need to grow and succeed throughout your appraisal career.

How to Become a Student Member

If you have less than two years of post-secondary education, you can begin working toward your professional appraisal designation by applying to become a Student Member of AIC.

How to Become a Candidate Member

Interested in pursuing a career as a professional appraiser? Becoming a Candidate Member is the first formal step toward earning a designation with the Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC).

To get started:

Review the Entry Requirements:
See our Introductory Information document for details on the education and experience required to become a Candidate Member with AIC Ontario.
Start Your Application:
Visit our Contact Us page to connect with AIC Ontario. You’ll need to complete and submit the full Candidate Application Form.
Criminal Record Check:
As part of the application process, a Criminal Record Check is required. This will be conducted through AIC. Click here to review our Criminal Record Check Policy.

If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, our team is here to help.

How to Move Your Designation When Working in or Moving to Another Province

If you're planning to work or relocate to another province, please note that some provinces have legislation that regulates who is authorized to provide appraisal services. This may also impact your professional liability insurance coverage.

To ensure a smooth transition:

Check Provincial Requirements: Each province may have different rules regarding licensing, registration, or practice rights.
Confirm Insurance Coverage: Moving provinces may affect your insurance—contact us to understand how your coverage may be impacted.
Contact Us for Guidance: Reach out to us directly to discuss the steps needed to transfer your membership and remain in good standing.

We’re here to help you navigate the process.

Reinstating Your Membership

Former members of the Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC) may apply to have their membership reinstated, subject to the criteria set by the AIC Board of Directors.

To begin the reinstatement process:

Review the Requirements:
The specific requirements for reinstatement are outlined in AIC’s General Policies on Reinstatement. Please review these policies to understand your eligibility.
Initiate Through AIC Ontario:
Reinstatement requests must be submitted through AIC Ontario. Applicable fees will apply.
Contact Us for Details:
Reach out to AIC Ontario directly to confirm the steps and costs associated with reinstating your membership.

Important Note:
If you have been inactive for 90 days or more, a Criminal Record Check is required as part of your reinstatement. Click here to view our Criminal Record Check Policy.

We're here to support you in rejoining the AIC community and continuing your professional journey.

How to Retire From The Profession

If you wish to change your membership status to "Retired," you must complete and submit the Retired Membership Declaration form provided by AIC.

To get started:

Complete the Declaration Form:
Fill out the AIC Retired Membership Declaration form to request the change in your status.
Contact Us for Assistance:
Reach out to AIC Ontario for more information and support with the process.

We’re here to help with any questions you may have about retiring from the profession.

How to Go on Compassionate Leave

Compassionate leave allows for a temporary change in membership status due to significant life events, such as:

Caring for a gravely ill family member
Experiencing personal medical issues
Parental leaves
Coping with grief or family emergencies

What to Do:

Contact Us:
To request compassionate leave, email us at info@aicontario.ca for more information and guidance on the process.
Notify Us When Returning:
Once you’re ready to return to work, please notify us so we can restore your full membership status. This will ensure that any Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and insurance requirements are updated as needed.

We are here to assist you during this time and to help you manage the transition back to full membership.