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A
Abatement notice: A notice served on the owner(s) or occupier(s) of a property from which a private nuisance arises, warning them of the intention to enter on the land in order to abate the nuisance.
Absolute title: (a) The right of ownership of a mortgage deed, which gives the right, in certain specified circumstances, to demand repayment in full, of the outstanding debt than the due date. (b) A clause in a deed or contract, which provides for the early termination of an exciting interest in land, in certain specified circumstances, thereby advancing the future interest.
Agreement for lease/sale: A contract to enter into a lease (or sale), which in order to be enforceable either must be evidenced in writing and signed by the person against whom action is taken for the breach of the alleged contract and there must be a sufficient act of part performance.
Alternative user value: The value of land and buildings which reflects a prospective use which is different from that of the current use.
Amortisation: (a) (UK) The concept of writing off the capital cost of a wasting physical asset by means of a sinking fund. (b) (USA) Payment of a debt in equal installments of principal interest, as opposed to interest-only payments.
Anchor tenant: One or more department or variety chainstores, or supermarkets, introduced into a shopping centre in key positions to attract the shopping public into the centre for the purpose of encouraging other retailers to lease shops en route. The larger the developments the more anchors required.
Annuity: A sum of money paid each year during the life of the recipient. An annuity is usually paid as a legal obligation under a contract or undertaking, as through a pension scheme, and may be paid in installments more frequently than once every twelve months.
Asset valuation: In the property market this expression is applied to the valuation of land and buildings or plant and machinery. The term is often used to describe an expert opinion of the worth of a property which may be incorporated into company accounts, where the ownership of the asset is not necessarily to be transferred but the valuation is required for the company takeovers, share flotation or mortgages.
Assignment: The transfer of a property interest, especially a lease, from one party to another.
Atrium: An entrance hall of a building, often rising through a number of storeys and containing lifts, reception areas and plants. Originally the hall or chief apartment of a Roman house.
