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

Assemblage in real estate is the process of combining multiple small plots of land into one larger plot. This is accompanied by plottage, which is the increase in value that occurs when ...

An upper limit on the interest rate that can be charged in a variable rate mortgage over its life. For example, a variable rate loan is initially offered at 7% loan rate, and its interest ...

Looking for an amortization definition? Amortization is an accounting term that basically means something like “reducing the gap between what is owed”. Here’s the play by ...

An individual, educated, trained, and licensed in the principles of designing structures, and rendering drawings, specifications, bidding requirements. ...

Those factors causing the movement of people, industry, and business from the central city to the outside central city areas, suburbs, and/or small cities. Elements of the dispersing force ...

Another residence in addition to the main residence where a person or family resides. An example is a second home out of the city used on weekends and during vacations. Interest and real ...

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. ...

Projecting structure or part of a building. For example, a home was built with balconies jutting out from the sides of the building or a large rock formation constructed out into the ocean ...

An obligation of the owner of property that is recorded with his permission such as a mortgage. Encumbrance on property without being objected to by the owner. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions