Real Estate Speculation

Definition of "Real estate speculation"

Lewis Temple real estate agent

Written by

Lewis Templeelite badge icon

Donna Kerr Group

What is real estate speculation?

The term real estate speculation may have a difficult definition, but explaining it may be easier. Think of the stock market, buying stocks when they are cheap and selling when the prices skyrocket. Real estate speculation is basically the meaning of applying stock market knowledge to real estate.

Real estate speculators make a calculated assumption in the market by buying when the prices are low and, when the market prices rise due to the development of the area, sell at a higher price. It is not an infallible system and there is no safety net. One who dives into real estate speculation must understand the real estate market and be fully aware of the opportunity to gain and also the possibility of losses.

The simplest definition of real estate speculation would be that it’s about buying a house when something in the market makes the prices drop, such as a recession in real estate and selling it when the price is higher. The tricky part is understanding and, maybe, influencing the factors that can impact the price in such a way that it ensures a profit. Renovating a property, or buying a house before a big development that would increase its attraction is finalized are some ways to go about it. 

The meaning of real estate speculation can be confused with real estate investor, but there is one big difference. The definition of speculation involves transactions that come with a considerable risk and it’s based on predictions. Investing means taking into account a general trend that would increase the value of a property.

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

Capability of a party to enter into a contract such as having the financial and physical resources as well as mental competency to meet contractual commitments. ...

Repairing the street for safety and attractiveness. In some localities, such as on Long Island, the home owner is responsible for properly maintaining the street surrounding his home. ...

The appellant definition references a concept related to legal proceedings. The appellant is the individual who is dissatisfied with the judgment in a lawsuit and asks for a superior court ...

Ask Price is the initial listed price for a piece of real estate.It’s important to understand that, in the real estate world, there’s no such thing as a fixed price when buying ...

Claim by a real estate broker that his or her actions were the principal cause of the completion of a property sale between two parties. A successful procuring cause claim would entitle a ...

Property taken over by the government because the owner has failed to pay taxes on it. The property may revert back to the owner when the taxes are paid. If not, the government may sell the ...

An individual appointed by a court to manage the affairs and property of a legally incompetent party. The conservator has full decision-making authority over the affairs of the property in ...

A person has the option of canceling a contract previously agreed to. ...

Derogative term describing a high-pressure telemarketing office where sales personnel often use extremely exaggerated claims as well as intense sales practices to convince targets clients ...

Popular Real Estate Questions