Which factor is NOT considered in the determination of a property’s highest and best use?

In determining a property's highest and best use, the analysis typically involves three primary criteria: physical possibility, legal permissibility, and financial feasibility. Each of these factors plays a crucial role in assessing what use of the property is both practical and viable.

Physical possibility considers the actual space and conditions of the property, evaluating what types of uses the land can physically support based on its size, shape, topography, and access. Legal permissibility focuses on zoning laws, regulations, and any other legal restrictions that might govern what can or cannot be done with the property. Financial feasibility evaluates the economic viability of potential uses, determining whether the expected returns justify the costs involved.

Market trends, while they provide insight into demand and potential future uses, are not directly part of the foundational criteria that define the highest and best use in the context of legal appraisal practice. Instead, they serve as a broader context that might inform the decision-making process but do not constitute a fundamental requirement for establishing highest and best use. Therefore, this factor is not part of the essential analysis when determining what the highest and best use for a given property is.