
Agricultural Appraisal in Edmonton, St. Albert, Fort Saskatchewan, Whitehorse, & More
Do you have a large tract of land that you want to know the true value of, but have no idea where to start? We can help! The team at Shaske & Zeiner Appraisal Consultants Ltd. uses modern technology to help your land appraisal project in St. Albert, Edmonton, Whitehorse, and other northern and central Alberta and Yukon communities. We ensure that the appraisal work goes efficiently, smoothly, and cost-effectively. Our services are used by vendors, purchasers, financial institutions, and more. We have bountiful experience working with different types of properties.
We can assist with types of land such as agricultural areas, vacant lands, and long-term development lands. For more details and for answers to questions you may have, please give us a call. We provide land appraisal services to Edmonton, St. Albert, Leduc, Fort Saskatchewan, and many other areas in northern and central Alberta and the Yukon.
What Is a Land Appraisal?
Whether you have a piece of raw land that you want to put to its best use or are planning to sell the land but don’t know how to evaluate its actual cost, all of these matters can be solved by getting your land appraised by professional appraisers. A land appraisal is a process of determining the market value of a piece of land by surveying multiple factors, including the size, topography, location, improvements, utilities, zoning restrictions, accessibility, competitive land rates, and more. It can also help the owner decide whether it would yield the best possible return on investment by putting it to residential or commercial use.
When you choose us as your land appraisal consultants in Edmonton, you can expect us to appraise your land by following the steps mentioned below:
​Based on our discussions with you, we will schedule an inspection to assess your land’s features and determine its strengths and weaknesses.
​We will use comparable sales as a method to develop an evaluation.
​If no similar lands have been sold in your area, we can use the income or cost approach to come to a valuation.
​Once the survey has been completed, we will share a detailed report with you, mentioning your land’s value and other essential findings.
Have questions? Please contact us, and our friendly staff will be more than glad to answer any questions you may have.
Top Factors That Affect Agricultural Appraisal Values
A land appraisal comes with many benefits that can save you from making a financial mistake. Some of these benefits include:
​Most lenders require you to present an appraisal report before getting your financing approved.
​A land appraisal can guide you toward the best use of your land, helping you make a sound investment.
​If you wish to ensure your investment, you will need an appraisal to confirm your land’s value.
​Evaluating your land can help you draft an Estate Plan to ascertain the future of your investment.
​A land appraisal will give you a fair idea of your land’s value, allowing you to challenge high property tax assessments.
Apart from land appraisals in Edmonton and surrounding areas, we also perform appraisals for residential and commercial units and special purpose properties like resorts, schools, gravel pits, and more. Simply call us to discuss your requirements, and we will be happy to help. Call us now.
In Edmonton and surrounding areas, agricultural appraisal requires a nuanced approach to accurately reflect local market conditions, soil productivity, and land-use regulations.
Appraisal firms must apply consistent methodologies to ensure objective and reliable outcomes. The following factors typically influence the valuation of agricultural land in this region:
Soil Quality and Productivity
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The fertility and productivity of the soil directly affect land value.
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Appraisers assess the soil type, drainage capacity, erosion risk, and historical yield data.
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In Edmonton, land with Class 1 or 2 soils typically commands higher appraised values due to better crop-growing potential.
Zoning and Land Use Regulations
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Zoning bylaws determine how agricultural land can be used or developed.
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Appraisers consider any existing land-use restrictions that may impact the highest and best use of the land.
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For example, if the land is within a protected agricultural zone or greenbelt, this may reduce or limit development potential, affecting its appraisal.
Location and Accessibility
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Proximity to urban centres like Edmonton can influence value due to demand for farmland near transportation infrastructure or future development.
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Land with direct access to paved roads typically holds a higher value due to improved logistical advantages.
Water Rights and Irrigation
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Availability of water rights and existing irrigation systems significantly affect land productivity.
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Appraisals account for access to wells, irrigation equipment, and water licensing, particularly in drought-prone areas.
Parcel Size and Shape
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Larger, contiguous parcels are generally more valuable due to operational efficiency.
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Irregularly shaped or fragmented lots may reduce usability, impacting the appraised value.
Comparable Sales
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One of the most reliable methods of valuation is to use comparable agricultural land, especially when recent transactions of similar agricultural land have occurred in the Edmonton region.
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Appraisers identify and adjust for differences between the subject property and comparable parcels recently sold.
Economic and Market Conditions
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Broader agricultural market trends, commodity prices, interest rates, and investor demand all influence land values.
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Agricultural appraisal in Edmonton reflects both local economic conditions and broader national trends.
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Top Factors That Affect Agricultural Appraisal Values
Common Challenges of Agricultural Appraisal​​
These challenges require appraisers to exercise detailed due diligence and local expertise.
Limited Comparable Sales
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It may be difficult to find enough recent sales of similar land in rural and low-transaction areas near Edmonton.
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This may require reliance on alternative methods like the income or cost approach, which introduces more variables into the analysis.
Changes in Land Use Regulations
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Amendments to municipal development plans or zoning bylaws can significantly shift land value, even within a short timeframe.
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Appraisers must stay informed of any pending or recently enacted regulatory changes that could affect value projections.
Environmental Constraints
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Farmland located near wetlands, flood zones, or conservation areas may face environmental restrictions.
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These restrictions can lower land value and complicate the appraisal process if not fully disclosed or documented.
Inconsistent Data Availability
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Data on soil maps, crop history, water rights, and topography may be outdated or incomplete.
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Access to up-to-date municipal and provincial databases is crucial for accurate agricultural appraisal in Edmonton and neighbouring regions.
Market Volatility
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Farmland value can be influenced by sudden changes in commodity prices or interest rates.
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Short-term market volatility makes it challenging to determine a stable long-term value.
Agricultural appraisal in Edmonton plays a crucial role in long-term land planning, especially as urban expansion continues to affect surrounding rural areas.
A precise valuation ensures that landowners, developers, and financial institutions make informed decisions regarding future land use and investment strategies.
Supports municipal planning: Accurate appraisals help align private landowner decisions with city and regional development frameworks.
Facilitates informed transactions: Buyers and sellers use appraisal reports to negotiate fair market prices.
Enables investment analysis: Investors rely on appraisals to calculate potential returns and associated risks.
Assists with compliance: Regulatory bodies may require formal appraisals for zoning changes or land-use reclassification.
Agricultural appraisal provides the foundation for responsible land stewardship and effective long-term planning in Edmonton's evolving agricultural landscape. Contact us today.