10. The cost approach to value, or appraisal by summation, is based on the principle of:

Answer: B

Explanation:

The cost approach to value is based on the principle of substitution.

The cost approach to value relies on the principle of substitution, which posits that a buyer will not pay more for a property than the cost to acquire a similar substitutable property. This method evaluates the value of a property by calculating the cost to replace or reproduce it, minus depreciation.

A) supply and demand.

The principle of supply and demand relates to how the availability of a property and the desire for it influence its market price. While this principle affects overall market conditions, it is not the foundational concept behind the cost approach to value, which specifically focuses on substitution rather than market dynamics.

B) substitution.

Substitution is the correct answer as it is the core principle of the cost approach. This principle states that the value of a property is determined by the cost of acquiring an equivalent property, making it essential in the appraisal process where new construction costs are compared to the existing property.

C) regression and progression.

Regression and progression refer to the effects of surrounding property values on a subject property, where lower-value properties can decrease the value of a higher-value property (regression) and vice versa (progression). These concepts do not directly pertain to the cost approach, which is centered around the idea of substitution.

D) plottage.

Plottage involves the increase in value that results from combining two or more parcels of land into one larger parcel. Although relevant in some real estate contexts, plottage does not apply to the principles underlying the cost approach to value, which emphasizes the cost of substitution rather than land combination.

Conclusion

The principle of substitution is the cornerstone of the cost approach to value, making it the definitive answer. Other options fail to capture the essence of this appraisal method, as they pertain to different aspects of real estate valuation and market dynamics. Understanding substitution is crucial for accurate property valuation through the cost approach.