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The Conference of Valuation Agencies (CoVA) is the successor event to the former Commonwealth Heads of Valuation Agencies (CHOVA) conferences. CoVA was established in 2021 and facilitated by the International Property Tax Institute (IPTI). The theme of this year's conference is "Valuation Agencies of the Future" and it will bring together experts from all over the world to discuss a variety of topics that will be of interest not only to those in valuation agencies but also to those who use their valuation services.
The Cost Approach remains a foundational valuation method in property assessment, particularly for unique and special-purpose properties. However, its effective application presents a range of challenges that require both technical understanding and sound judgment. This session will explore key concepts, practical issues, and common obstacles associated with the cost approach in property assessment contexts. Participants will review the basic theory behind the approach and how it is applied to support equitable assessments. The webinar will delve into the distinctions between reproduction cost new and replacement cost new, and how each affects value conclusions. With focus on identifying and quantifying different forms of depreciation, with particular attention to functional and economic obsolescence. Attendees will gain insight into how these elements can be recognized, measured, and supported within a valuation, helping to ensure more accurate and defensible assessments.
Clear, professional communication is essential in property assessment, where valuers must convey complex valuation concepts to a wide range of audiences including taxpayers, municipal officials, stakeholders, and tribunals. This webinar focuses on developing strong written and verbal communication skills that enhance transparency, build trust, and supports defensible assessments. Participants will explore how to balance technical accuracy with clarity, using plain language and effective structure to communicate valuation findings and decisions. Core principles of communication - clarity, conciseness, logical flow, tone, and audience awareness will be addressed, with a focus on practical tips for preparing clear, well-organized valuation reports. This session is Ideal for valuers, analysts, and managers, to strengthen their ability to communicate with confidence and credibility across the assessment landscape.
The management of property tax portfolios is very complex. Corporate managers oversee the complicated processes and are faced with many internal and external challenges. This includes dealing with budgeting, compliance, litigation and managing external experts. Dealing with multiple sources of information, limited access to data, lack of standardization, consistency and effective internal communication is also very challenging. This one-day workshop, hosted by IPTI’s Corporate Advisory Committee, will provide an opportunity for experience sharing and interactive discussion on effective ways to manage property tax portfolios.
Valuing agricultural properties presents a distinct set of challenges for valuers due to the diversity of property types, evolving market influences, and the cross-section of economic, legislative, and land use factors. This session provides insight into current valuation practices for agricultural lands in the context of property assessment and taxation. Participants will explore valuation approaches for various agricultural operations, including crop production, livestock, and greenhouse facilities. The webinar will cover the development of farmland valuations, market influences such as commodity trends and land sales activity, and the importance of effective sales investigations. It will also examine how legislative decisions related to farm preservation, taxation policies, and exemptions impact valuation outcomes. Additionally, attendees will consider broader issues such as urban sprawl, zoning changes, and development pressures, and how these forces shape land use patterns and value assessments.
This webinar will explore the complexities and best practices in the valuation of vacant land for property assessment purposes. Vacant land valuation presents numerous challenges due to market variability, zoning, development opportunities, limited sales data, and physical characteristics. Participants will explore how highest and best use analysis informs land value conclusions. The presentation will also look at the use of multiple regression analysis (MRA) as a statistical tool to support land valuation. Attendees will gain insights into the importance of land stratification, land variables and types of models through practical examples.
Mixed use properties—those combining residential, commercial, retail, or other functions—present unique challenges for valuers due to their complexity and diversity of integrated uses. This session will explore current trends in mixed use development and the implications for property assessment and taxation. Participants will examine the challenges these properties pose for assessing authorities, including issues related to classification, income allocation and market data availability. The application of various valuation approaches, including how and when to blend methodologies to reflect the unique nature of each property will also be discussed. In addition, attendees will gain insight into the development and support of capitalization rates that account for the diverse components within mixed use properties.
Valuation professionals across Canada and around the world are embracing innovation like never before. Advances in artificial intelligence, automated valuation models (AVMs), and new data applications are redefining how we assess property, manage risk, and deliver value to our communities. The 2026 Innovation Symposium is your opportunity to explore these changes and take part in the conversations shaping the future of our profession.
Successful organizations maintain high-quality standards to meet stakeholder expectations, regularly monitoring and improving them over time. For property tax assessing agencies, this is especially important as they are responsible for producing accurate and fair property valuations that underpin the property tax system. Confidence in these valuations is critical for taxpayers, governments, and any other bodies relying on them for funding. To ensure reliability, assessing agencies must set appropriate quality standards, implement effective quality assurance and control measures, and conduct regular audits. IPTI has developed a "Quality Audit Framework" (QAF) to help these agencies evaluate how well they meet these standards. This webinar will introduce the QAF and demonstrate its application.
Building on the foundational concepts introduced in Part 1, this session focuses on the statistical tools and practical techniques required for the effective application of mass appraisal models. Participants will learn how to work with and interpret various data sets, conduct exploratory analysis, and specify and calibrate models to reflect market behavior accurately. The webinar will emphasize the importance of ongoing quality checks and statistical testing throughout the modeling process to ensure reliability and defensibility. Topics will also include testing for model deficiencies, applying models to broader property populations, and identifying when and how to apply bulk adjustments. Valuation reviews required to improve overall assessment accuracy and transparency will also be discussed.
This foundational session introduces participants to the key concepts and principles of mass appraisal modeling, an essential tool for modern property assessment. Designed for people interested in the concepts of mass appraisal including assessors and valuation professionals, the webinar will cover the elements of the mass appraisal process, from data preparation to model development. Topics will include an overview of the steps involved in mass appraisal modeling, an introduction to regression analysis tailored for assessment purposes, the importance of data readiness and quality. Participants will also explore the use of data visualization techniques to support valuation decisions and gain a basic understanding of the statistical measures commonly used in model evaluation.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the International Property Tax Institute (IPTI) are pleased to announce their 12th Annual Caribbean Valuation and Construction Conference on October 22nd and 23rd, 2025. This year's theme will focus on Innovation and Collaboration in the field of Valuation and Construction.
This webinar will explore key challenges in the application of the income approach for property assessment purposes. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the basic theory behind the income approach and how it is applied in real-world assessment contexts. Key areas of focus will include the determination of fair market rent, methodologies for capitalization rate development, and the treatment of non-recoverable expenses. Through a blend of discussion and examples, this session aims to equip valuers with the tools and insights necessary to navigate difficult scenarios and enhance the reliability of their income-based valuations.
This discussion will explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are being used today, their value, and their potential future role. It will include examples of private sector applications and examine the growing recognition of data as a key driver in strategic decision making. Participants will share their perspectives on how corporate managers are currently leveraging AI or could be doing so to enhance operations and decision making.
Property tax is a crucial revenue source for local governments, ideally characterized by a broad tax base, minimal exemptions, and properties assessed at updated market values. Effective administration, appeal processes, and enforcement are key to generating sufficient revenue for services. However, in many countries, property taxes do not meet this ideal due to challenges like inadequate legislation, weak administration, or unpopularity. The Property Tax Conference scheduled on September 16 & 17, aims to explore global experiences in addressing these challenges, sharing insights from international experts on legislation, valuation, tax policy, and administration, with a focus on improving property tax systems.
The International Property Tax Institute (IPTI) and The International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) are pleased to announce that we will be presenting a joint virtual Mass Appraisal Valuation Symposium on June 25 & 26, 2025. The theme of the virtual MAVS is “Future Opportunities for Mass Appraisal”.
This webinar will provide a working overview of the discounted cash flow (DCF) technique in property assessment valuations. The panelist will provide an understanding of differences between direct capitalization and the DCF methods. They will offer discuss application of the DCF technique in a mass appraisal setting. The webinar will also provide attendees with a better understanding of the required inputs for a DCF calculations such as appropriate income patterns, selection of yield rate and inclusion of reversionary value.
Municipalities play an important role in the property assessment world. This webinar will provide a better understanding of the municipalities role in the property assessment system highlighting the important role both assessing jurisdictions and municipalities play. The webinar will look at the importance of sharing data and how that data impacts the property valuation process. We will also highlight the importance of good property tax relief programs and delve into property tax planning discussing how valuers deal with future development and growth.
The management of property tax portfolios is very complex. Corporate managers oversee the complicated processes and are faced with many internal and external challenges. This includes dealing with budgeting, compliance, litigation and managing external experts. Dealing with multiple sources of information, limited access to data, lack of standardization, consistency and effective internal communication is also very challenging. This one-day workshop, hosted by IPTI’s Corporate Advisory Committee, will provide an opportunity for experience sharing and interactive discussion on effective ways to manage property tax portfolios.
This webinar will take the form of a panel discuss with representatives from assessing jurisdictions and property tax consulting firms. The panelist will discuss the importance of working collaboratively throughout the entire process with focus on data sharing, importance of pre-discussions and timing of exchanging documentation. Tax agents will outline their role in assisting clients to better understand the property assessment process and the key role they play in assuring fair and equitable property taxation.
This webinar will assist participants to better understand what AI and machine learning are and the various techniques that can be utilized in valuations for property tax purposes. The focus of the webinar will be on the use of AI in select assessment jurisdictions focusing on opportunities and challenges they faced. A case study will also be provided demonstrating how AI is being implemented in an assessment jurisdiction to produce valuations for assessment roll return.
Portfolio sales most often occur for investment grade properties. These sales often include many properties in a portfolio transfer. While typically comprising of similar asset class portfolio sales by large companies, institutions or REITs often involve several different asset classes. In an increasingly uncertain economic environment, some corporations are turning to their existing real estate as a source of liquidity, with the sale of portfolios becoming a common strategy. This webinar will explore these transactions, provide real examples, and propose best practice course of action for segregating out individual values for analysis. The webinar will also look at the use of portfolio sales in a mass appraisal setting and discuss adjustments that may be required.
Presented by the Institute of Municipal Assessors (IMA) and the International Property Tax Institute (IPTI), this virtual symposium will span two half-day sessions, offering a deep dive into the future of property valuations. Featuring expert-led discussions, the event will explore how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming the valuation industry. Participants will gain insight into the evolving role of these innovations and their potential impact on valuation professionals worldwide, positioning them at the forefront of a rapidly changing landscape
Income and expense statements form the basis of the income approach. We will work through a detailed step-by-step review and reconstruction of income and expense statements from a valuator’s perspective. This is a practical webinar which focuses on actual case studies rather than theory. The panelists will look at what legitimate expenses associated with real property for inclusion in the net operating income. As well attendees will gain an understanding of different types of financial statements and the key definitions and concepts relating to financial reporting.
Farmland values are rising amidst urban expansion, environmental degradation, and shifting social norms. Cities grew large due to fertile soils, favorable climates, and natural harbors. As urbanization intensifies, property assessors and municipalities face new challenges in valuing land and setting policy. This talk explores how agriculture has influenced land use and property values, the complexities of valuing transitioning lands, and the impact of modern agricultural practices. We’ll present future scenarios, such as shifts in diet or climate change, and discuss the role of municipalities in land use planning and policy decisions. Gain insights into analyzing sales for farm valuations and the critical role of municipalities in sustainable land use.
The Cost Approach remains a foundational valuation method in property assessment, particularly for unique and special-purpose properties. However, its effective application presents a range of challenges that require both technical understanding and sound judgment. This session will explore key concepts, practical issues, and common obstacles associated with the cost approach in property assessment contexts. Participants will review the basic theory behind the approach and how it is applied to support equitable assessments. The webinar will delve into the distinctions between reproduction cost new and replacement cost new, and how each affects value conclusions. With focus on identifying and quantifying different forms of depreciation, with particular attention to functional and economic obsolescence. Attendees will gain insight into how these elements can be recognized, measured, and supported within a valuation, helping to ensure more accurate and defensible assessments.
Clear, professional communication is essential in property assessment, where valuers must convey complex valuation concepts to a wide range of audiences including taxpayers, municipal officials, stakeholders, and tribunals. This webinar focuses on developing strong written and verbal communication skills that enhance transparency, build trust, and supports defensible assessments. Participants will explore how to balance technical accuracy with clarity, using plain language and effective structure to communicate valuation findings and decisions. Core principles of communication - clarity, conciseness, logical flow, tone, and audience awareness will be addressed, with a focus on practical tips for preparing clear, well-organized valuation reports. This session is Ideal for valuers, analysts, and managers, to strengthen their ability to communicate with confidence and credibility across the assessment landscape.
Valuing agricultural properties presents a distinct set of challenges for valuers due to the diversity of property types, evolving market influences, and the cross-section of economic, legislative, and land use factors. This session provides insight into current valuation practices for agricultural lands in the context of property assessment and taxation. Participants will explore valuation approaches for various agricultural operations, including crop production, livestock, and greenhouse facilities. The webinar will cover the development of farmland valuations, market influences such as commodity trends and land sales activity, and the importance of effective sales investigations. It will also examine how legislative decisions related to farm preservation, taxation policies, and exemptions impact valuation outcomes. Additionally, attendees will consider broader issues such as urban sprawl, zoning changes, and development pressures, and how these forces shape land use patterns and value assessments.
This webinar will explore the complexities and best practices in the valuation of vacant land for property assessment purposes. Vacant land valuation presents numerous challenges due to market variability, zoning, development opportunities, limited sales data, and physical characteristics. Participants will explore how highest and best use analysis informs land value conclusions. The presentation will also look at the use of multiple regression analysis (MRA) as a statistical tool to support land valuation. Attendees will gain insights into the importance of land stratification, land variables and types of models through practical examples.
Mixed use properties—those combining residential, commercial, retail, or other functions—present unique challenges for valuers due to their complexity and diversity of integrated uses. This session will explore current trends in mixed use development and the implications for property assessment and taxation. Participants will examine the challenges these properties pose for assessing authorities, including issues related to classification, income allocation and market data availability. The application of various valuation approaches, including how and when to blend methodologies to reflect the unique nature of each property will also be discussed. In addition, attendees will gain insight into the development and support of capitalization rates that account for the diverse components within mixed use properties.
Building on the foundational concepts introduced in Part 1, this session focuses on the statistical tools and practical techniques required for the effective application of mass appraisal models. Participants will learn how to work with and interpret various data sets, conduct exploratory analysis, and specify and calibrate models to reflect market behavior accurately. The webinar will emphasize the importance of ongoing quality checks and statistical testing throughout the modeling process to ensure reliability and defensibility. Topics will also include testing for model deficiencies, applying models to broader property populations, and identifying when and how to apply bulk adjustments. Valuation reviews required to improve overall assessment accuracy and transparency will also be discussed.
This foundational session introduces participants to the key concepts and principles of mass appraisal modeling, an essential tool for modern property assessment. Designed for people interested in the concepts of mass appraisal including assessors and valuation professionals, the webinar will cover the elements of the mass appraisal process, from data preparation to model development. Topics will include an overview of the steps involved in mass appraisal modeling, an introduction to regression analysis tailored for assessment purposes, the importance of data readiness and quality. Participants will also explore the use of data visualization techniques to support valuation decisions and gain a basic understanding of the statistical measures commonly used in model evaluation.
This webinar will explore key challenges in the application of the income approach for property assessment purposes. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the basic theory behind the income approach and how it is applied in real-world assessment contexts. Key areas of focus will include the determination of fair market rent, methodologies for capitalization rate development, and the treatment of non-recoverable expenses. Through a blend of discussion and examples, this session aims to equip valuers with the tools and insights necessary to navigate difficult scenarios and enhance the reliability of their income-based valuations.
This webinar will provide a working overview of the discounted cash flow (DCF) technique in property assessment valuations. The panelist will provide an understanding of differences between direct capitalization and the DCF methods. They will offer discuss application of the DCF technique in a mass appraisal setting. The webinar will also provide attendees with a better understanding of the required inputs for a DCF calculations such as appropriate income patterns, selection of yield rate and inclusion of reversionary value.
Municipalities play an important role in the property assessment world. This webinar will provide a better understanding of the municipalities role in the property assessment system highlighting the important role both assessing jurisdictions and municipalities play. The webinar will look at the importance of sharing data and how that data impacts the property valuation process. We will also highlight the importance of good property tax relief programs and delve into property tax planning discussing how valuers deal with future development and growth.
This webinar will take the form of a panel discuss with representatives from assessing jurisdictions and property tax consulting firms. The panelist will discuss the importance of working collaboratively throughout the entire process with focus on data sharing, importance of pre-discussions and timing of exchanging documentation. Tax agents will outline their role in assisting clients to better understand the property assessment process and the key role they play in assuring fair and equitable property taxation.
This webinar will assist participants to better understand what AI and machine learning are and the various techniques that can be utilized in valuations for property tax purposes. The focus of the webinar will be on the use of AI in select assessment jurisdictions focusing on opportunities and challenges they faced. A case study will also be provided demonstrating how AI is being implemented in an assessment jurisdiction to produce valuations for assessment roll return.
Portfolio sales most often occur for investment grade properties. These sales often include many properties in a portfolio transfer. While typically comprising of similar asset class portfolio sales by large companies, institutions or REITs often involve several different asset classes. In an increasingly uncertain economic environment, some corporations are turning to their existing real estate as a source of liquidity, with the sale of portfolios becoming a common strategy. This webinar will explore these transactions, provide real examples, and propose best practice course of action for segregating out individual values for analysis. The webinar will also look at the use of portfolio sales in a mass appraisal setting and discuss adjustments that may be required.
Income and expense statements form the basis of the income approach. We will work through a detailed step-by-step review and reconstruction of income and expense statements from a valuator’s perspective. This is a practical webinar which focuses on actual case studies rather than theory. The panelists will look at what legitimate expenses associated with real property for inclusion in the net operating income. As well attendees will gain an understanding of different types of financial statements and the key definitions and concepts relating to financial reporting.
Farmland values are rising amidst urban expansion, environmental degradation, and shifting social norms. Cities grew large due to fertile soils, favorable climates, and natural harbors. As urbanization intensifies, property assessors and municipalities face new challenges in valuing land and setting policy. This talk explores how agriculture has influenced land use and property values, the complexities of valuing transitioning lands, and the impact of modern agricultural practices. We’ll present future scenarios, such as shifts in diet or climate change, and discuss the role of municipalities in land use planning and policy decisions. Gain insights into analyzing sales for farm valuations and the critical role of municipalities in sustainable land use.
Successful organizations maintain high-quality standards to meet stakeholder expectations, regularly monitoring and improving them over time. For property tax assessing agencies, this is especially important as they are responsible for producing accurate and fair property valuations that underpin the property tax system. Confidence in these valuations is critical for taxpayers, governments, and any other bodies relying on them for funding. To ensure reliability, assessing agencies must set appropriate quality standards, implement effective quality assurance and control measures, and conduct regular audits. IPTI has developed a "Quality Audit Framework" (QAF) to help these agencies evaluate how well they meet these standards. This webinar will introduce the QAF and demonstrate its application.
The management of property tax portfolios is very complex. Corporate managers oversee the complicated processes and are faced with many internal and external challenges. This includes dealing with budgeting, compliance, litigation and managing external experts. Dealing with multiple sources of information, limited access to data, lack of standardization, consistency and effective internal communication is also very challenging. This one-day workshop, hosted by IPTI’s Corporate Advisory Committee, will provide an opportunity for experience sharing and interactive discussion on effective ways to manage property tax portfolios.
This discussion will explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are being used today, their value, and their potential future role. It will include examples of private sector applications and examine the growing recognition of data as a key driver in strategic decision making. Participants will share their perspectives on how corporate managers are currently leveraging AI or could be doing so to enhance operations and decision making.
The management of property tax portfolios is very complex. Corporate managers oversee the complicated processes and are faced with many internal and external challenges. This includes dealing with budgeting, compliance, litigation and managing external experts. Dealing with multiple sources of information, limited access to data, lack of standardization, consistency and effective internal communication is also very challenging. This one-day workshop, hosted by IPTI’s Corporate Advisory Committee, will provide an opportunity for experience sharing and interactive discussion on effective ways to manage property tax portfolios.
Valuation professionals across Canada and around the world are embracing innovation like never before. Advances in artificial intelligence, automated valuation models (AVMs), and new data applications are redefining how we assess property, manage risk, and deliver value to our communities. The 2026 Innovation Symposium is your opportunity to explore these changes and take part in the conversations shaping the future of our profession.
The International Property Tax Institute (IPTI) and The International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) are pleased to announce that we will be presenting a joint virtual Mass Appraisal Valuation Symposium on June 25 & 26, 2025. The theme of the virtual MAVS is “Future Opportunities for Mass Appraisal”.
Presented by the Institute of Municipal Assessors (IMA) and the International Property Tax Institute (IPTI), this virtual symposium will span two half-day sessions, offering a deep dive into the future of property valuations. Featuring expert-led discussions, the event will explore how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming the valuation industry. Participants will gain insight into the evolving role of these innovations and their potential impact on valuation professionals worldwide, positioning them at the forefront of a rapidly changing landscape
The Conference of Valuation Agencies (CoVA) is the successor event to the former Commonwealth Heads of Valuation Agencies (CHOVA) conferences. CoVA was established in 2021 and facilitated by the International Property Tax Institute (IPTI). The theme of this year's conference is "Valuation Agencies of the Future" and it will bring together experts from all over the world to discuss a variety of topics that will be of interest not only to those in valuation agencies but also to those who use their valuation services.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the International Property Tax Institute (IPTI) are pleased to announce their 12th Annual Caribbean Valuation and Construction Conference on October 22nd and 23rd, 2025. This year's theme will focus on Innovation and Collaboration in the field of Valuation and Construction.
Property tax is a crucial revenue source for local governments, ideally characterized by a broad tax base, minimal exemptions, and properties assessed at updated market values. Effective administration, appeal processes, and enforcement are key to generating sufficient revenue for services. However, in many countries, property taxes do not meet this ideal due to challenges like inadequate legislation, weak administration, or unpopularity. The Property Tax Conference scheduled on September 16 & 17, aims to explore global experiences in addressing these challenges, sharing insights from international experts on legislation, valuation, tax policy, and administration, with a focus on improving property tax systems.
