Definition of "Replacement cost"

Mary  O Connell real estate agent

Written by

Mary O Connellelite badge icon

O Connell Properties

Are you thinking to yourself: What does replacement cost mean?

When someone in the Real Estate Market mentions Replacement Cost, they are talking about an evaluation of how much it would cost to build a completely identical new house to replace an old one. By completely identical, read as built with the same materials (or materials of equal quality), the same square footage and the same amount of bedrooms, bathrooms and whatever other types of rooms the preexisting house had. Included in this calculation is also the manpower required to build the new house on the place of the old one.

Why is this done? Well, determining the replacement value of an asset is mostly done for insurance reasons – like calculating the depreciation of the house over its useful life to cover any damage – but the so-called replacement cost approach can also be done by an Appraiser in order to help assert the Market Value of a house in volatile markets where the real estate market external factors are difficult to evaluate.

Real Estate Secrets:

Building a new house to replace the old one? There are a bunch of other terms you should look on our 
Glossary to guide you through this tiring process!

You know a difficult replacement cost to calculate? That of a trustworthy agent! Use The OFFICIAL Real Estate Directory® to find one!

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

Null or void something; Revoke or destroy; rescind or set aside; abandon; abolish; repeal; surrender; waive; terminate. In real estate, to void a buy or sell order, price, or quantity. The ...

Once of a set of timbers used in the construction of a building or for esthetic purpose, the land around a property for beautification. ...

A capitalized expenditure usually extending the useful life of a building or improving it in some manner over and above the original condition. In contrast, a maintenance or repair expense ...

Any of several types of legal joinders whereby one or more parties unites with or joins other parties in a legal action or proceeding even though the party may not be a direct part of the ...

One who agrees to pay the debts of another in the event that the debtor does not pay. The creditor can demand payment from the surety as soon as the debt becomes due. Although a surety ...

Something that has been built and physically exists at a specified location, such as a building, garage, etc. Something consisting of related parts, such as the organization and terms of ...

Same as term contract for deed: Method of selling and financing property whereby the buyer obtains possession, but the seller retains the title. ...

The right of possession and use of property without undue disturbance by others or adverse claims of others to title or interest. ...

Loss of property from nonfulfillment of some duty or condition. In some cases, forfeiture is required by a court order, whereas in other cases the nonfulfillment of a contractual debt is ...

Popular Real Estate Questions