The principle of consistent use requires that when improved land is in a transaction for a higher and best use, the appraisal should use:

• A. Separate values for land and improvements
• B. A single, consistent highest and best use for both land and improvements
• C. Only the land value
• D. Only the improvements value

Answer: (B)

The principle of consistent use means the appraisal opinion should be based on one clearly defined use for the property, and that same use should apply to the entire property within the report. When improved land is part of a transaction for a higher and best use, you evaluate the property as a single entity using a single highest and best use that covers both land and improvements. This keeps the valuation aligned with the intended redevelopment or repurposing of the site, showing the full economic potential of the property as a whole.

valuing land and improvements separately would imply different uses for each part, creating inconsistency and potentially misrepresenting the total value. Likewise, focusing only on the land value or only on the improvements value ignores how the two work together under the new use. The correct approach is to apply one consistent highest and best use for the entire property.