Which appraisal approach considers the property's replacement value?

The Cost Approach is the appraisal method that considers the property's replacement value. This approach estimates the value of a property based on the cost to replace or reproduce the structure, minus any depreciation. It is particularly useful for properties that are not frequently sold on the open market or are unique, making comparability difficult.

In the Cost Approach, the appraiser evaluates the current cost to construct the property at its highest and best use, taking into account the land value, the costs of construction, and any accrued depreciation. This method provides a clear calculation grounded in the economics of rebuilding the property, which is crucial for determining value for certain types of real estate, such as new construction or unique properties that lack adequate comparables.

While the other approaches also play a significant role in appraisal—such as the Income Approach, which focuses on the property's potential to generate income, and the Market or Sales Comparison Approach, which analyzes recent sales of comparable properties—the Cost Approach uniquely emphasizes the replacement value at its core.