Which method is primarily used for valuing land transitioning from agricultural use to residential use?

The Anticipated Use or Development Method is particularly well-suited for valuing land transitioning from agricultural use to residential use because it takes into account the future potential of the land based on its anticipated use. This method focuses on the highest and best use of the property, which recognizes that the value of the land will increase as it shifts from agriculture to residential development.

When land is identified for development, assessors evaluate various factors, including zoning regulations, market demand for residential properties, and feasibility studies for future housing projects. The anticipated cash flows from these future developments help establish a more accurate market value than methods that do not account for the imminent changes in use.

This approach aligns with current real estate practices that emphasize the importance of understanding future market trends and the developmental potential of land. In contrast, other methods may not adequately factor in the increases in value associated with the impending transition from agricultural to residential use, thereby potentially undervaluing the land in question.