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Define Excess Land (Surplus Land) in Real Estate

Excess Land (Surplus Land): 

"Excess Land" or "Surplus Land" is an extra piece of land that belongs to a property but isn't needed for the property's main purpose or highest and best use. Imagine having a big backyard, but only using a small part of it for a garden, leaving the rest unused.

Example: 

For example, if a homeowner has a large plot of land with a house in the center, they might only need the area immediately surrounding the house for their daily activities. The remaining land, which is not essential for the highest and best use of the property, would be considered excess or surplus land.

When assessing the overall value of a property, it's essential to evaluate the excess land independently from the property's primary use, since it holds the potential for being sold, developed, or utilized for alternative purposes.

Illustration of Dumb Ox mascot.

"Wit & Whimsy with the Dumb Ox: Unlocking Knowledge with Rhyme:"

In the world of land and space,
Excess land has its own place.
A piece of ground, extra and wide,
Not needed for the site, it's set aside.

A house on a plot, where gardens grow,
But extra land lies there, just so.
Not used for the highest, the best, the prime,
It's surplus land, not needing time.

A homeowner has, you see,
A piece of land, so wild and free.
Not used for the home or the site's main goal,
It's excess land, with a different role.

So when you find a spot of land,
Remember the term, excess, on hand.
Not needed for the highest or best,
It's surplus land, that takes a rest.

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