Factors Affecting Valuation Practice of Private Valuer's in Property Litigation the case of Addis Ababa

Property valuation plays a crucial role in legal disputes involving real estate, as courts rely heavily on expert valuation reports to resolve conflicts and ensure fair outcomes. In Addis Ababa, the increasing involvement of private (external) valuers in litigation cases has raised questions about the reliability, accuracy, and credibility of their valuation practices. This study aims to investigate the key factors Influencing the valuation practices of licensed private valuers engaged in property-related litigation before the Federal Supreme Court of Ethiopia. The research focuses on three main areas: the professional competence of valuers, the valuation methodologies and standards they apply, and the legal and institutional frameworks guiding their work. The study also examines internal and external factors such as training, experience, data access, and regulatory clarity that impact the credibility of valuation reports used in litigation. Using a quantitative research design, the study collected primary data through questionnaires from 24 registered private valuers across eight selected valuation companies and reviewed 24 corresponding valuation reports and court decisions. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to determine the relationship between independent variables (professional competence, methodological rigor, legal relevance, and operational challenges) and the dependent variable (credibility of valuation practice). Findings reveal that educational qualification, professional certification, and adherence to valuation standards significantly enhance the credibility of valuations. However, challenges such as limited legal training, data inaccessibility, and lack of clear judicial guidelines persist. The study concludes by recommending improved professional development programs, standardized litigation valuation frameworks, and stronger collaboration between courts and valuers to ensure just and defensible legal outcomes