Definition of "Marginal utility"

Additional utility an individual receives when purchasing an additional unit of a commodity or service. Represents a trade off between units of cost and unit of utility. For example, an individual builds a luxury home with a swimming pool. To build a tennis court would cost $50,000 and require yearly maintenance. To add two tennis courts is extremely low, the marginal utility of building the additional tennis court at $25,000 is not enough to offset the additional cost involved. However, if it cost only $5,000 to build the additional tennis court, then there may be sufficient marginal utility to justify its construction.

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

Right of a property owner located adjacent to an airfield to use the airspace above a certain distance to fly an airplane. However, the owner may not be allowed to put structures, signs or ...

An interior wall dividing an area into two or more rooms or separate areas. The division of real estate between owners giving each an undivided interest. ...

Entrance or path to a land parcel. Passageway existing from property. An egress may lead to a roadway or some other form of exit. ...

A step's edge. ...

Lumber of no more than 8 inches wide and 2 inches thick. ...

Costs incurred in connection with real property that increase its cost basis or worth, such as a new roof, an additional room, or paneling a room. ...

Affordability is a term used to describe the ability of a person or entity to pay in relation to the income earned by them. Affordability is the comparison of a person's income against ...

Unanticipated damages incurred as the result of the sub effects of a parties breach of responsibility or contract. Consequential damages often result in financial compensation. ...

Same as term resale proceeds: Net amount received when property is sold. It equals the selling price less outstanding mortgage balance less all costs incurred in connection with the sale. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions