Real estate is generally unique, but in some cases, neighboring buildings have similar floor plans and architectural designs that make them homogeneous structures. In this post, we’ll discuss the concept of nonhomogeneity in real estate, homogeneity, the difference, and how this can affect the cost of real estate.
What is Nonhomogeneity?
Nonhomogeneiety is when houses in a real estate development are different. If something is non-homogeneous, it indicates a lack of uniformity in a real estate development or multiple real estate properties. A nonhomogeneous property can differ in structure, size, or layout from other structures in the neighborhood or area. As long as there’s a difference – it’s nonhomogeneous.
It’s worth noting, generally speaking, nonhomogeneous housing development is more expensive to construct and takes more time to build. The cost of building a nonhomogeneous housing development is more difficult because each structure differs, but more on that later.
What is Homogeneity?
Homogeneity is when houses in a real estate development are the same. A group of houses or properties having the same characteristics, such as design and layout, is called homogeneous.
Generally speaking, homogeneous housing development is cheaper to construct and is constructed quicker than nonhomogeneous.
What Is the Difference Between Homogeneity and Nonhomogeneity?
Homogeneity is when houses in a real estate development are the same. Nonhomogeneiety is when houses in a real estate development are different.
Homogeneous properties are easy to construct because contractors only need one blueprint. It’s as simple as copying and pasting housing across the neighborhood. Non-homogeneous properties, however, can differ slightly or drastically depending on circumstance. Regardless it’s much more complex to create a non-homogeneous vs. a homogeneous one.
Why Are Nonhomogeneous Homes More expensive?
Nonhomogeneous homes are more expensive because they require different materials, floor plans, layout designs, and construction blueprints. Since there is a lack of uniformity among the houses in such housing development, their costs are higher. Similar or the same houses don’t require much effort and are quicker to build; hence they are less expensive in real estate.
Moreover, homogeneous projects are also cheaper to construct since it’s easier to find the cost of the materials and purchase them in bulk. Purchasing bulk building materials is always cheaper than buying things separately.
Isn’t Every Piece of Real Estate Nonhomogeneity?
Technically yes. Real estate itself is all non-homogeneous, but the properties that lay on the property can be homogeneous or non-homogeneous. That’s the difference and where people often get confused.
Is Nonhomogeneity a Characteristic of Real Estate?
Nonhomogeneity is one of the main physical characteristics of real estate. Every piece of real estate is unique. Following are some of the main physical characteristics of real estate property, and now you can see where nonhomogeneity fits into it.
- Indestructibility: Meaning land cannot be destroyed or worn out. Its appearance may be altered, but it always continues to exist.
- Immobility: Meaning the geographical location of the property remains the same & can never be changed; it is fixed.
- Uniqueness or Nonhomogeneity: Meaning no parcels of real estate are exactly alike.
Nonhomogeneity Examples
If you enter a homogeneous neighborhood, you’ll notice houses that look similar to each other. These houses are considered homogenous as they are not unique.
Interestingly, you can find nonhomogeneity in a homogeneous neighborhood. For instance, if you are about to sell a house in a homogeneous area, you can add an appurtenance that makes the property nonhomogeneous and add to its value.
Or you can buy an additional plot next to your property in a homogeneous area and extend your property line. The structure (your house) may remain homogenous, but with your added land, many would view your property as nonhomogenous.
What to Know for the Real Estate Exam
Nonhomogeneity is one of the main physical characteristics of real estate, and it’s essential to understand how it works. As a real estate agent and for the real estate exam, you need to understand the physical characteristics of the land or the property. These characteristics help in estimating the value of the property. When buyers purchase land, the value includes the land’s cost and the property built on it. No matter how expensive the house is, the land’s physical characteristics will significantly impact the property’s overall value.
Remember, something non-homogeneous indicates a lack of uniformity in a real estate development or multiple real estate properties. And remember the opposite; if a group of houses or properties has the same characteristics, such as design and layout, they are called homogeneous. Head here for more real estate exam related terms and explanations.
