The Market Approach.
The market approach is one of the three common methods used in the valuation of assets, properties, or businesses. It relies on the principle of comparing the asset being valued to similar assets that have recently been sold or transacted in the open market. This approach is particularly useful when there is an active and well-documented market for similar assets, making it possible to find reliable and comparable sales data. Here’s how the market approach works:
- Identify Comparable Sales: The first step in the market approach is to identify recent sales of assets that are similar to the one being valued. These comparable sales, also known as “comps,” should have characteristics that closely match those of the subject asset. For example, in real estate valuation, this may include properties with similar sizes, locations, features, and conditions.
- Analyze Comparable Sales Data: Once the comparable sales have been identified, their sale prices are analyzed. This analysis typically involves adjusting the sale prices of the comparables to account for any differences between them and the subject asset. Common adjustments may be made for differences in size, location, condition, or other relevant factors. The goal is to make the comparable sales as similar as possible to the subject asset.
- Determine a Market Value: After making the necessary adjustments to the comparable sales, the appraiser or valuer calculates a market value for the subject asset. This value is based on the adjusted sale prices of the comparables and is often expressed as a price per unit of measurement (e.g., price per square foot for real estate).
- Finalize the Valuation: The market value determined from the comparable sales analysis is considered the estimated value of the subject asset under the market approach.
The market approach is widely used in real estate appraisal, where it’s known as the “sales comparison approach.” It’s also used in the valuation of businesses, where it’s referred to as the “market comps” or “comparable company analysis.” The key to a successful market approach valuation is selecting appropriate and truly comparable sales data and making accurate adjustments to account for differences between the comparables and the subject asset.
Advantages of the market approach include its reliance on real-world market data, simplicity, and transparency. However, it may not be suitable when there is a lack of comparable sales data, when the subject asset is unique or unusual, or when market conditions are highly volatile. In such cases, other valuation methods, such as the income approach or cost approach, may be more appropriate.