Argus by Altus Group vs Rockport VAL: Which Is Better in 2026?
Updated October 4, 2026. Independent editorial; how we research.
ARGUS is the institutional standard that counterparties expect; Rockport VAL is the web-native challenger that reads ARGUS exports and is quicker to learn.
| Argus by Altus Group | Rockport VAL | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Contact for pricing | Contact for pricing |
| Pricing model | Quote-based | Quote-based |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | Investment Analysts, Appraisers, Asset Managers | Lenders, Investors, Appraisers |
| Company size | Mid-Market, Enterprise | Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud, API |
| Primary category | Investment & Valuation | Investment & Valuation |
Our Verdict
ARGUS Enterprise and Rockport VAL do the same core job: lease-by-lease cash flow modeling and valuation for commercial property. ARGUS, from Altus Group, has been the reference tool for more than 30 years, is taught at over 200 universities and is used in more than 100 countries. Rockport VAL, from The Rockport Group, is a cloud application that presents itself explicitly as the alternative, with a client list that includes large lenders and brokerages.
ARGUS wins on acceptance. When a lender, appraiser, buyer and seller all need to exchange a model, the ARGUS file is still the default format, and analysts trained on it are easy to hire. ARGUS Enterprise is now delivered in the cloud as part of the ARGUS Intelligence platform, which adds asset and portfolio management tools and an AI assistant, and it supports international valuation methods beyond discounted cash flow. The caveats: pricing is quote-based and widely regarded as expensive for small firms, the learning curve is steep, and the breadth of the suite is more than a firm doing occasional valuations will use.
Rockport VAL wins on accessibility. It is browser-based, built to feel familiar to Excel users, and Rockport claims new users can learn it in about an hour. It imports ARGUS exports so existing models do not need to be rebuilt, offers Excel import and export, includes debt modeling, keeps an audit trail of model changes, and lets you share a model with someone who is not a VAL customer. A two-way API connects it to other systems. The caveats: pricing is not published either, the pool of trained users and third-party training is smaller, and some counterparties will still ask for an ARGUS file.
Choose ARGUS if you work in institutional acquisitions, appraisal or asset management where clients, lenders or investment committees specify it, or if you value property outside North America. Choose Rockport VAL if you want a lower-friction modeling tool for underwriting, lending or brokerage work, and your counterparties accept its output or an Excel export. Firms unhappy with ARGUS renewal terms often run VAL in parallel on a few deals before deciding.
Argus by Altus Group
Rockport VAL
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Rockport VAL open ARGUS files?
Rockport states that VAL can import ARGUS exports, so models built in ARGUS can be brought across without being recreated. Test this with a few of your own complex models before committing.
How much do ARGUS and Rockport VAL cost?
Neither publishes pricing. Altus Group describes ARGUS pricing as tiered and scaled to the business, and Rockport sells VAL by quote. Request both quotes on the same user count to compare.
Is ARGUS still desktop software?
ARGUS Enterprise is now delivered through the cloud as part of the ARGUS Intelligence platform and runs in modern browsers. Rockport VAL has been web-based from the start.
Do lenders accept Rockport VAL models?
Rockport lists lenders, appraisers and brokerages among its users, and VAL models can be shared with non-customers. Acceptance still varies by counterparty, so confirm with the lenders and investors you work with most.
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