Historically, highest and best use was closely associated with maximising economic return. In practical terms, this often meant identifying the development typology capable of generating the highest land value or rental yield.

In real estate, inaction is rarely neutral. Choosing to “wait and see” can feel prudent - particularly in uncertain or volatile markets - but indecision often carries hidden costs that quietly erode value over time.

Some of the most problematic projects start with a site everyone agrees is “the best.” The irony? The technically superior site is often the strategically wrong one.