We have a value problem here. Taking the 2.5-acre example in my world that 2.5 acres is worth about $40,000, so two of them are worth about $80,000. The five acres, as ONE economic unit is worth $60-$65,000. For the people who are in the minority in this tread do we not have a problem with this as the land value goes down as one economic unit by about $15k-$20k.
HBU is not the same as MV - discussed earlier in thread. HBU is established earlier in appraisal as a step. Then appraiser goes on to develop the appraisal and opinion of market value . The probpery may be at its HBU in current form, but not get a high price returned. The market tell us- s a most probable price can be a price that is lower, mid range, or higher. It is whatever is most probable the market would pay for that property within a reasonable open market exposure .
If the market sees 2 parcels conveyed together as a lower price ( thnt either lot alone), then the market value for the two lots conveyed for one price is that lower price as the most probable. The lots singly are worth more, but appraising them singly is a different appraisal problem. As above post 345 , the valuation comes after the problem identification.
Here is what the appraisals would look like,
Appraisal 1: Vacant 2.5 acre lot A , appraisal market value opinion is $40,000
Appraisal 2: vacant 2.5 acre lot B , appraisal -, market value opinion is $40,000
Appraisal 3: Vacant lot A and B conveyed together for one 5 acre parcel of both lots -market value opinion is $80,000 ( and explain why the discount ).
If the best price within reasonable market exposure on the open market for the 2 lots of 5 acres is $60,000, then that is their market value. Market value is the most probable price, that was the most probable price market paid. The fact that each lot alone is worth more needs to be explained and disclosed, but the appraisal problem is for the 2 lots together. Next question : Is the loss attributable to both lots losing value from being sold together, or does one lot take the hit, acting as value in use in order to sell the other ?
The next question goes to typical motivations - why is a seller selling 2 lots together for less, if each lot alone is worth more? Is the seller not well informed? Or is the market really not that strong to buy individual lots ? Or is seller in duress and would rather a quick sale for both get rid of them? Usually, if demand for single lots is strong, a well informed seller would not sell them both together for a steep discount, maybe a small discount ( which is what George Hatch described combo improvements and lots selling for in his research in an appraisal, no discount or small one ) It really depends, each appraisal is market specific, we can not make a rote prediction the 2 sold together always yields a steep discount.