What are "site improvements" in real estate?

Site improvements in real estate refer to enhancements made directly to a piece of land that are designed to increase its usability and appeal. This includes various enhancements like landscaping, paving, grading, drainage systems, and utilities installation, which add value to the land and prepare it for development or use.

These improvements are critical for making a site more functional and aesthetically pleasing, often enhancing the overall marketability of the property. They focus specifically on the exterior aspects of a property, unlike structural changes to buildings or renovations, which pertain to the interior and physical structure of a property.

Understanding what constitutes site improvements helps clarify their role in real estate valuation, as they significantly contribute to both the functionality and the overall worth of the land.