Best Land Use with Negative Externalities: Determining Land Values from Residential Rents

Abstract

When land regulations are binding, then the land price per m2 is determined by the attractiveness of the location and the restrictiveness of the regulation. In the case of a maximum oor area ratio (FARmax) restriction, the best use land price can be directly expressed as a function of the FARmax and local amenities. We show theoretically and empirically how this approach can be used to determine land values from residential rents. From our empirical results, we derive two main sources for a monocentric structure of land prices. First, the location attractiveness of centrally located dwellings makes land prices more expensive. Second, on a regulatory basis, the FARmax works as a multiplier for land prices. Because the FARmax is high in central areas, land prices are inated accordingly. Our model gives insight into determinants of urban land prices. In addition, it is a useful approach for land appraisal in urban regions.