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Mortgage Valuation & Contaminated Land: A Cautionary Case Study

Mortgage Valuation & Contaminated Land: A Cautionary Case Study

Accord Appraisals recently assessed a 30-hectare land parcel under an Environmental Conservation and Living Zone—uncovering significant risks that rendered it unsuitable for mortgage purposes.

Key Findings:

  • Ongoing EPA Investigation – Unlawful dumping under scrutiny since 2020, with the latest notice issued July 3, 2024.
  • Cost Burden – EPA levy $5-6M, with remediation costs potentially exceeding $10M.
  • Market Impact – Low demand, extended selling period (12+ months), and remediation costs exceeding market value.
  • Mortgage Risk – The property presented an unacceptably high risk, making it unsuitable for mortgage security.
  • Have you encountered similar challenges in contaminated land valuations? Let’s discuss.
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