What is meant by the term "going concern" in property appraisal?

The term "going concern" in property appraisal refers specifically to the value associated with a business's intangible assets, such as its reputation, customer base, and operational synergies, which contribute to its overall value beyond just the physical assets. This concept is particularly relevant in scenarios where the property being appraised is tied to a business operation that generates income.

In these cases, the going concern value takes into account not only the tangible assets like real estate and equipment but also the ongoing ability of the business to generate revenue due to its established operational presence and market position. This concept is essential in understanding the full financial picture of a business—especially during appraisals related to commercial properties, where the income generated by a business can significantly influence the property’s overall market value.

This distinction highlights that the traditional appraisals focusing solely on physical characteristics or raw market value do not capture the complete valuation picture for income-producing properties.