property

improvement

An improvement is any man-made addition to land that is intended to be permanent and that generally increases its value or usefulness. Improvements include buildings, fences, driveways, and landscaping on the land itself, as well as improvements to land such as streets, sewers, and utility lines that serve a parcel. Improvements become part of the real property and are usually valued separately from the land in appraisals and tax assessments.

Exam tip: Exams distinguish improvements "on" land (structures) from improvements "to" land (utilities, roads). Remember that land itself is not depreciated; only improvements are.
Example: A buyer pays $300,000 for a lot and house; the assessor values the land at $80,000 and the house, an improvement, at $220,000.

1. A seller and buyer orally agree on a sale. The buyer moves in, pays part of the price, and makes substantial improvements. The seller then refuses to convey. Which doctrine may allow the buyer to enforce the agreement?

Answer & explanation

Answer: B. The statute of frauds requires contracts for the sale of land to be in writing, but many courts enforce oral agreements when actions such as possession, payment, and improvements clearly prove the contract. The parol evidence rule concerns prior oral terms of a written contract. Adverse possession requires hostile possession for the statutory period.

Related terms & state variants

depreciation fixture land real property

Sources

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Last verified: 2026-10-23