Straight-line Depreciation

Definition of "Straight-line depreciation"

Danielle Eliot real estate agent

Written by

Danielle Eliotelite badge icon

Better Homes & Gardens Metro Brokers

The depreciation method where an equal amount of depreciation expense is allocated to each full period of the asset's useful life. The amount of depreciation is computed as follows; Annual depreciation = (Original costs -Salvage value)/ Useful life. For example, assume that the building costs $800,000 and has an estimated useful life of 20 years. The estimated salvage value at the end of the 5-year period is $200,000. Then the straight-line depreciation per year is ($800,000 - $200,000)/20 years= $30,000/year.

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 special agent in real estate is a real estate agent hired to do a specific task or job, as opposed to a general agent, who is a real estate agent who can do any task he or she is assigned ...

Received immediately when an investment is made or contract signed. For example, a real estate limited partnership may require that an investor pay a 3% sale fee at the time of initial ...

An entrance hallway from the outside of a building. Foyers are intended as a gathering place for people either before exiting or upon entrance. ...

The definition of reversion in real estate is the return of property or assets to their original owner after a prespecified event or occurrence. This real estate term is used primarily in ...

The economic indicators that trail behind aggregate economic activity. Six lagging indicators issued by the government consisting of unemployment rate, corporate expenditures, labor cost ...

A proposal to buy property at a specified price. The seller of the property has the options of accepting the offer, rejecting it, or making a counteroffer. For example, John signs a listing ...

Legal suit in which the plaintiff sues the defendant for some reason. A counterclaim of litigation is to exercise one's legal rights. There are many causes for litigation including damages ...

Something coming before. Examples are the year before, first lien on property, and previous owner of property. ...

Group of investors pooling their money to purchase real estate. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions