Definition of "Property appreciation"

Appreciation, or property appreciation in real estate is the increase in the value of a property or asset over time. This increase in value can be due to a number of factors; inflation, population growth, economic growth of an area, etc. Property appreciation can occur under a variety of different circumstances and with virtually any piece of real estate. Appreciation is the opposite of depreciation. Let’s explore some examples of appreciation in real estate. 

 

Examples of property appreciation in real estate

 

Joan is a young woman in her early 30’s. After finishing a masters degree in finance, Joan finds an excellent job with a good salary at a stock brokerage company. As she nears her mid thirties, her house is paid off and she has saved up a tidy sum of money. With her savings, Joan invests in a cozy little bungalow in the suburbs, spending a reasonable sum of $125,000. 

 

After finding a tenant and contracting a property management service, Joan begins to reap the rewards of her investment. However, after a few years of being a landlady, Joan tires of the responsibility and stress of maintaining the property, and decides to sell. After contacting a real estate agent and finding a buyer, Joan manages to get $225,000, making a tidy profit of $100,000. 

 

The cause for this higher price is what is known as property appreciation. During the time that Joan had owned the house, a mall had been built nearby, a new movie theatre opened and an office complex newly constructed. The resulting demand for housing caused the value of Joan’s house to go up, without her even having to do anything.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

Reduction of part of the balance of property by charging an expense or loss account. The reason for a write-down is that some economic event has occurred indicating that the asset's value ...

Second layer of flooring material placed over the rough flooring or flooring planks in a structure. The finish floor is a polished floor often made oak or other hardwood materials. ...

Largest form of owner ship giving the owner complete control including the development off an inheritable estate. ...

Lien which is over and above a first lien. A second lien is subordinate to the first lien and can be satisfied only after the initial lien is satisfied. ...

Use of borrowed funds to enhance expected returns. It is anticipated that the investment will earn a return exceeding the after-tax cost of borrowing. ...

Form used to record information about a credit applicant's ability to meet his obligations in connection with a real estate purchase. ...

Most people seem to be baffled by the fundamental terminology in real estate: brokers vs. agents vs. employing brokers vs. mortgage brokers, etc. Let us provide some clarity! The primary ...

Funds earned by the contractor for construction activity but held back by the owner of the property until the job is finished to a greater degree. This provides the contractor with an ...

The floor of a building closets to the building grade. Normally, the ground floor of a building is the first floor. A ground floor can sometimes be located between the first floor and the ...

Popular Real Estate Questions