Property Valuation

What is the 'principle of substitution' and why is it important in appraisal?

AThe idea that improvements can be substituted for each other without cost
BThe principle that a buyer will not pay more for a property than the cost to acquire an equally desirable substitute property; the foundation of all three appraisal approaches✓ Correct
CThe rule that appraisers must use a substitute method when data is scarce
DThe concept that sellers can replace one buyer with another

Explanation

The principle of substitution is foundational to all three appraisal approaches: buyers won't pay more for a property than the cost of an equally desirable alternative (whether purchasing a comparable, building a replacement, or investing elsewhere). It sets the upper limit of value.

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