Teaching: The institute is a research facility, so no courses are run by the research institute directly. If you have questions on courses related to the research topics of the institute (such as Real Estate Economics or Regional Economics), please contact the course instructors directly.

NEURUS: The institute is part of the Network of European and U.S. Regional and Urban Studies (NEURUS), a special program that allows participants to go abroad to work on an academic thesis. More information on this exchange program can be found here.

Thesis

Also if you are interested to write a Bachelor, Master or PhD thesis related to the topics researched at the institute and are looking for a supervisor, please contact those faculty members directly that best match your research interests. Currently, we are specifically interested in supervising the following topics for Bachelor’s and Master’s theses (Contact: Stefanie Peer).

Building Trust in Automated Valuation Models: The Impact of Explanations on User Confidence
This study looks at how different ways of explaining Automated Valuation Model (AVM) results affect people’s trust in them. Participants will see property valuations with either no explanation, a short summary of key factors, or a detailed technical breakdown. The goal is to find out which type of explanation helps people understand and trust the model most—without overwhelming them. The project will show how better communication can make AI tools in real estate more transparent and user-friendly.

Experts vs. Clients: Who Values What in Property Appraisal
This research compares how real estate professionals (like appraisers or brokers) and clients (buyers or sellers) think about what makes a property valuable. Using a survey, it asks both groups to rate how important different property features are—such as location, design, or nearby amenities. The study aims to uncover where opinions differ and how these gaps can cause misunderstandings during valuation or negotiation. The results can help improve communication and trust between professionals and clients.

Framing Uncertainty: The Impact of Presentation Format on Residential Real Estate Valuations
This project examines whether showing uncertainty in property valuations changes how people interpret or adjust them. Some participants will see a single price estimate, while others will see the same estimate with a confidence range (for example, €400,000 ± 10%). The study tests whether adding uncertainty makes people more cautious or more flexible when judging values. The results can guide how appraisals and AVM reports should show uncertainty clearly and responsibly.

Anchored by Algorithms: How Appraisers Revise Valuations When Confronted with AVM Estimates
This study investigates how professional appraisers react when they see an AVM’s suggested property value. Participants will first estimate a property’s value themselves, then see what the AVM says, and finally decide whether to adjust their own number. The research explores whether people tend to “anchor” their estimates to the algorithm’s output and when they are more likely to rely on it. The findings will help design better ways for humans and algorithms to work together in valuation practice.

Affect in Appraisal: How Emotional States Shape Property Valuations and Negotiation Outcomes
This topic explores how emotions influence property valuation and negotiation. Participants will watch short videos to put them in a positive, neutral, or negative mood before valuing the same property. The study tests whether good moods make people value properties higher and bad moods make them more cautious. Understanding this can help professionals recognize how emotions affect judgment and make more balanced valuation decisions.

Seeing Is Believing: AI-Generated Property Visuals and the Endowment Effect
This project examines how AI-generated images of properties influence how much people think a home is worth. Each participant sees a property image that either matches their stated preferences (for example, near parks or modern design) or goes against them. The study compares how buyers and sellers react and whether “matched” images increase perceived value or attachment. The results can show how visuals shape buying and selling decisions in real estate.

The Power of Words: How Market Narratives Shape Valuation Outcomes in Real Estate
This study looks at how the way a market report is written can change how people value properties. Two reports might include the same data but describe the market differently—one as “booming,” the other as “slowing down.” Participants will estimate property values based on one version. The research tests whether positive or negative wording influences valuations and if professionals are less affected than non-experts. Results will help promote more neutral and transparent real-estate reporting.