here is what FHA Says:
https://sandiegopurchaseloans.com/two-continuous-parcels/
How the FHA Approaches This Issue
To start, we need to understand the FHA’s definition and treatment of “excess and surplus land.” According to the
FHA, “excess land” is simply land that is not needed for the existing improvement project. It does not serve or support the improvements in any way. The best use of the excess land may not be the same as the best use of the improved parcel, and excess land can be sold separately. “Surplus land” is defined slightly differently. Surplus land is land that is not currently needed to support the existing changes but cannot be separated from the property and sold off to a buyer. It does not have a best use that is independent from the rest of the land, and may or may not contribute to the overall value of the improved parcel.
The FHA will
also require specific analysis and reporting. The appraiser
must include the “highest and best use” in the report, which will be used to support the appraiser’s conclusion that excess land exists. The appraiser must also include surplus land in the valuation. If the appraised area contains multiple legally-conforming platted lots that are under one legal description and ownership, then the second vacant lot could be divided and sold or developed as a separate parcel, assuming the division will not result in a break from zoning regulations for the second vacant lot.
The value of the second lot will be excluded from the final value brought by the appraisal. The appraiser
will also need to provide a value for the hypothetical principle site and improvements.
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It appears that FHA is making this a little easier for the Appraiser.