What term describes the increase in the value of a property that has occurred over time?

Appreciation refers to the increase in the value of a property over time, often due to factors such as improvements made to the property, changes in the surrounding area, or overall economic growth. This term is commonly used in real estate to describe how homes and other properties can gain value, which is a crucial concept for mortgage loan officers and potential buyers to understand.

In real estate transactions, appreciation can significantly impact equity, as it allows homeowners to build wealth. When properties appreciate, owners may benefit from increased opportunities for refinancing or selling their home at a profit. This understanding of market dynamics is essential for making informed financial decisions in real estate.

In contrast, depreciation pertains to a decrease in property value and is generally not the correct term to describe an increase. Valuation is a process to determine the current worth of a property, while capital gain specifically involves the profit made from the sale of an asset, which can arise from appreciation, but is not synonymous with it.