Glossary & framework library

Highest and best use (HBU)

Foundations

Reference

The legally permissible, physically possible, financially feasible, and maximally productive use of a site.

Related terms

  • Illiquidity

    The difficulty of converting real estate to cash quickly without a price concession.

  • Leasehold

    The right to use a property for a fixed term under a lease, after which it reverts to the freeholder.

  • Liquidity

    How quickly an asset can be sold near its fair value without a price concession; real estate is inherently illiquid, and thin, opaque emerging markets make it…

  • Location premium

    The additional value a property commands due to its position and access to amenities.

  • Owner-occupier

    A party that buys or leases property to use it themselves rather than as an investment.

  • Portfolio

    A collection of assets held together to balance risk and return; diversifying a property portfolio across cities, sectors, and currencies limits exposure to an…

  • Primary market

    New property sold directly by a developer, typically off-plan.

  • Primary vs secondary vs tertiary location

    A tiering of locations by demand strength and desirability, from prime primary to fringe tertiary; the tier drives yield, liquidity, and risk premium.