The term denotes the increase in value realized by combining two or more adjacent parcels of land into one larger parcel. This value enhancement typically occurs because a single, larger tract can be utilized more effectively than the individual, smaller lots. An example would be assembling several residential lots to construct a larger apartment building or commercial development.
The significance of this concept lies in its potential to unlock greater economic utility and profitability from real estate. Historically, shrewd land acquisition and consolidation have been key strategies for developers seeking to maximize returns on investment. The resultant aggregated property often permits development options not viable on the separate, smaller holdings, thereby driving up the overall worth beyond the sum of its parts. This strategy is used to re-zone for better use than smaller lots.