In real estate terms, what is depreciation?

Depreciation in real estate refers to the decline in the value of a property over time, often due to factors such as wear and tear, aging, or market conditions. This reduction in value can significantly impact property assessments and taxation, as well as the overall investment value of real estate. Understanding depreciation is crucial for real estate professionals, as it influences decisions regarding property management, sales strategies, and tax implications.

The other options do not accurately define depreciation. An increase in assessed property value would signify appreciation rather than depreciation. The profit percentage from property rental relates to income generation, which is a different concept and not representative of how property value itself changes. A market analysis process is a technique used to evaluate property values and market conditions but does not describe depreciation. Thus, the first option accurately captures the essence of depreciation in real estate.