Certified Pennsylvania Evaluator Practice Exam

What phenomenon occurs when combining two or more parcels increases the total value beyond the sum of individual parcels?

1. Assemblage

2. Plottage

3. Increased Value

4. Contribution

The correct answer is: Plottage

Plottage is the phenomenon that occurs when combining two or more parcels of land results in an overall increase in value that exceeds the sum of the individual parcel values. This situation often arises due to various factors such as improved utility, a more efficient layout, or potential for development that can be enhanced by the consolidation of multiple parcels. For instance, when parcels are combined, they can often be developed in a manner that takes advantage of economies of scale or provides access to larger spaces that are more desirable for potential buyers or tenants. This increased value from the aggregation is what distinguishes plottage from simple assemblage, which refers to the act of bringing parcels together but does not necessarily imply the resulting increase in value. In contrast, while terms like increased value and contribution might hint at aspects related to property value, they do not specifically encapsulate the unique phenomenon observed in plottage, where the act of combining positively affects valuation in a significant way.