Real Estate Speculation

Definition of "Real estate speculation"

Lewis Temple real estate agent

Written by

Lewis Templeelite badge icon

Donna Kerr Group

What is real estate speculation?

The term real estate speculation may have a difficult definition, but explaining it may be easier. Think of the stock market, buying stocks when they are cheap and selling when the prices skyrocket. Real estate speculation is basically the meaning of applying stock market knowledge to real estate.

Real estate speculators make a calculated assumption in the market by buying when the prices are low and, when the market prices rise due to the development of the area, sell at a higher price. It is not an infallible system and there is no safety net. One who dives into real estate speculation must understand the real estate market and be fully aware of the opportunity to gain and also the possibility of losses.

The simplest definition of real estate speculation would be that it’s about buying a house when something in the market makes the prices drop, such as a recession in real estate and selling it when the price is higher. The tricky part is understanding and, maybe, influencing the factors that can impact the price in such a way that it ensures a profit. Renovating a property, or buying a house before a big development that would increase its attraction is finalized are some ways to go about it. 

The meaning of real estate speculation can be confused with real estate investor, but there is one big difference. The definition of speculation involves transactions that come with a considerable risk and it’s based on predictions. Investing means taking into account a general trend that would increase the value of a property.

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

A contract not in writing. Oral contracts are legally enforceable except for those applicable to the sale of real estate. ...

Any commercially fabricated and widely available product designed for household and personal use. Consumer goods are available in an open market place and are competitively priced. ...

Principle stating that the joint tenants must have equal rights to possession of the whole property. ...

Doing business as, or DBA, means an official moniker for your enterprise or company. Regularly, a DBA is a state certificate serving as a registration name and issued under a ...

Meaning or definition given to an act, fact. Or thing through legal or juridical interpretation. ...

A capital asset. An expenditure to buy property and other capital assets that generate revenue. Securities of real estate companies. ...

Older property is bought usually by a governmental agency to be modernized and improved. In many cases, the deteriorating property is torn down and a new structure built. An example is ...

How many days, months, or years are required before a new building has the desired occupancy ratio. The occupancy rate influences the amount financial institutions are willing to lend. ...

Dividing a lot into two or more parcels. Normally a variance would have to be obtained to permit a lot split. The lot cannot be split unless they meet minimum area zoning requirements ...

Popular Real Estate Questions