What does the term 'economic life' refer to in real estate?

The term 'economic life' in real estate refers to the period during which a property generates income or provides value to its owner. It reflects the lifespan over which a property can be expected to produce a return on investment. This concept is important for investors and property owners as it helps determine how long a property is viable in generating profits before maintenance costs, market decline, or obsolescence outweigh the income generated.

In essence, the economic life helps in making informed decisions regarding property investment and management. It is considered an essential factor in the evaluation of an asset's value and performance over time.