The HIGHEST and BEST USE of PROPERTY.

The HIGHEST and BEST USE of PROPERTY.

When looking to buy real estate investors look for what is feasible and that results in achieving maximum use and legal permissibility for their money. To do this, they must undertake a market analysis to determine the highest and best use of the property.

Before you spend any money on an investment property questions that should be answered and Items that can be considered as a test of the highest and best use include : 

Is it physically possible?

This is usually the first test to get an overall view that verifies that the potential use must be physically possible to undertake.

Is the soil type, physical conditions, topography and other characteristics plus shape & land size, weather conditions suitable to allow the development or redevelopment possible? What are the best possible uses, qualities and features of the site or property?

Can you afford it? Would the use be financially feasible?

Construction and improvement costs can escalate well beyond your initial estimate. Do you have the funds to afford the cost of construction for the land or the improved design to achieve this?

To do this, you would need to undertake a market analysis to generate cash flow projections. Only if the property is assessed as being financially feasible that would prepare you to move to the next stage.

Is it legal?

Can you get development approval for the legal use of vacant land? In other words, does the vacant land have the zoning for it? Have you checked with the local authority or your town planner or architect?

Does the property have the size shape topography and physically appropriately supported? Specifically, are you legally permitted do it?

What are the risks?

Are there any risks involved in doing it?  Does your highest and best use analysis show that demand is increasing? Have your feasibility studies confirmed that the construction or building improvement results in the highest return for your investment?

Is the investment property an improvement?

To begin with, have you spoken to any specialised commercial real estate agents in the area for a real estate appraisal? In addition, have you discussed any recent sales or leases confirming good demand for your proposed project? Specifically, will the result indeed result as the property as improved to the more significant market?

Would the intended use achieve maximum productivity?

This stage requires the property investor or developer rate every proposal on its ability to generate the highest net return. This is then compared to the risk. Is it worth taking the risk with the best possible return scenario? How does the risk-return factor for the other proposals compare?



At the end, are you getting the maximum return for your investment property? In addition, does your feasibility analysis verify it is supported financially feasible and results in maximal productivity and the highest possible performance for your investment?