Practice 9H: Purchasing Land or Conservation Easements

This guidance covers Practice 9H, which includes two elements:

1. ⬤ When buying land, conservation easements or other real property interests, obtain an independent appraisal by a qualified appraiser in advance of closing to support the purchase price

   1. ⬤ a. However, a letter of opinion from a qualified real estate professional may be obtained in the limited circumstances when:

      1. ⬤ i. A property has a very low economic value

      2. ⬤ ii. A full appraisal is not feasible before a public auction

      3. ⬤ iii. Or the amount paid is significantly below market value

2. ⬤ In limited circumstances where acquiring land, conservation easements or other real property interests above the appraised value is warranted, contemporaneously document:

   1. ⬤ a. The justification for the purchase price

   2. ⬤ b. That there is no private inurement or impermissible private benefit

⬤ Accreditation indicator element | ■ Terrafirma enrollment prerequisite | ▲ Required for both

May 2026 update: Updated accreditation requirements for Practice Elements 9H1 and 9H2 to reflect the 2026 Requirements Manual.

March 2023 update: Added accreditation requirement for addressing appraisal concerns under Practice Elements 9H1.