Definition of "Allocation method"

Mark Allgood real estate agent

Written by

Mark Allgoodelite badge icon

Century 21 JW Morton Real Estate

The allocation method estimates the value of the property’s land by gathering information from comparable properties. The allocation method of estimating site value is ideal, however, when comparables are not available. We’ll get to how comparables are actually used in the allocation method below, but it isn’t the same as through the abstraction method. We get to know the percentage value of the land to the property’s total value through the allocation method. While this method is used for land and site appraisals and valuations, it is not the most commonly used method. 

What is the Allocation Method?

The allocation method is one of the appraisal methods used by assessors to estimate the land value of a property that has been improved. In a residential area, the allocation method is not used as it is considered rather complicated compared to the other options of valuation. The sites, lands, or properties it is applied to don’t have sufficient comparable sales to determine the site’s value through the sales comparison method.

It is also important to note that the allocation method is more relevant when the property’s improvements are new. With older improvements, the ratio of land to property can increase making the allocation method inaccurate. Depreciation of property does affect the allocation method and it isn’t an ideal method for older homes.

How to use the Allocation Method?

To estimate the value of a property’s land or site, the assessor takes into account the values of comparable properties (with homes built on the lot) and comparable lots (empty lots). The assessor calculates the ratio from the two values and then applies the ratio on the appraised property.

If comparable lots in the area are sold for 20% of comparable properties value and comparable properties are sold for $200,000, then the 20% ratio is applied to the property that’s being appraised.

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

To fulfill , complete, implement, perform, or carry out terms of an agreement including completing a signature on a contract and delivering a document to the intended party. ...

What remains after something is removed, such as substances left after a pollution treatment facility is removed. ...

An agreement by which the owner of property (the lender) and a borrower agree to let the borrower use the property for a particular time period and in return the borrower will pay the ...

An apartment complex providing tenants access to a lawn area. ...

Property that is unoccupied and thus not being used. It is usually raw land with no structure or improvements theron. ...

Mutually binding property sales contract where the title remains with the seller until the purchase price is paid by the buyer. It is a contract to convey title in the future upon ...

A written mortgage document. A mortgage instrument states the terms of the mortgage including the interest rates, length of payments, payment dates, and remedies the bank is entitled to in ...

New cost less accumulated depreciation to date. ...

Method to obtaining title to property through open, notorious, adverse, and continuous use of the property for a statutorily prescribed period of time. For example, Jack openly and ...

Popular Real Estate Questions