How To Determine Land Value

Whether you’re selling land or planning on using it for something else, it’s important to know how to determine its value. There’s a lot to consider, though, and there’s no “magic” number.

1. Location

In geography, the term location or place refers to a point on Earth’s surface or elsewhere that is known to exist, and can be given precise coordinates in terms of latitude and longitude. Relative location describes a location’s proximity to other locations, landmarks, or geographic contexts. The location of your land plays a major role in how it’s valued. This is particularly true if you’re trying to sell the property. Determining the highest and best use for a parcel of raw land is critical to its ultimate value. It often requires a holistic approach that takes into account physical, regulatory and location factors.

2. Accessibility

Accessibility is a key determinant of land value. It is the extent to which a location is accessible to jobs and shopping. The structure of transportation networks and the patterns of accessibility they give rise to are important determinants of land prices and urban spatial structure. However, while there is ample evidence of the cross-sectional relationship between location and land value (usually measured from the value of improved property), there is little available evidence on the changes in this relationship over time.

3. Water Rights

Water rights are an important consideration for property buyers. Whether you’re buying land for agricultural use or a lakefront property, knowing the access and ownership rights to the water on your land is critical to determining its value. There are two general types of water rights in the United States – riparian and appropriative. Riparian water rights are typically found on lakes, streams, and rivers. Appropriative water rights, on the other hand, are more common on irrigated agricultural lands. They give the earliest (most senior) water right holders first use of the resource.

4. Buildings

There are many factors to consider when trying to determine the value of a piece of real estate. One of the most important is how the property will be used. Another major consideration is the physical components of the building. It is the replacement value of these elements that will help you decide how much your property is worth. There is a lot to be said for the buildings that exist on your land, but the best way to assess their value is to use a comparative analysis. By doing this you can get a feel for what other properties are going for in the area, while also taking into account any improvements or amenities that might be included. Having a clear understanding of the value of these items will help you make more informed decisions when it comes to buying or selling your property.

5. Future Plans

Often the best way to determine land value is through a deliberate evaluation of multiple factors. This includes location, regulatory considerations and property features like soil type and access to roads. When developing a Future Land Use Plan, communities must consider the effects of current and potential development trends on their town. They must also project population growth, which is likely to be affected by economic forces in their nation and world. The community may also be required to adjust their plan based on anticipated or known future events, such as the withdrawal of a major employer. By taking into account these factors, they can create a more forward-looking and diverse development portfolio that is focused on the needs of its people, supporting infrastructure and fostering a quality of life for its citizens.