Investment properties are initially recorded at cost, encompassing the purchase price along with any directly attributable expenditures essential for preparing the asset for its intended use, including capital development and enhancement costs where applicable.
Upon initial recognition, investment properties are subsequently measured using the cost model at historical cost less any accumulated impairment losses. No revaluation to fair value is undertaken at each reporting date. The directors consider cost to be the most appropriate measurement basis as it provides the most reliable and relevant representation of the Company’s investment property portfolio, which is typically held at values broadly consistent with cost plus capital development expenditure.
The use of cost is considered appropriate given the nature of the properties held, where value is generally derived from acquisition cost and subsequent capital investment, and where there is no expectation of regular fair value volatility being a meaningful indicator of performance. Accordingly, income-based valuation techniques and periodic revaluation movements are not applied.
However, an annual impairment review is performed in accordance with Section 27 of FRS 102 to assess whether there is any indication that investment properties may be carried at more than their recoverable amount. Where such indicators exist, the recoverable amount is estimated, and the carrying value is adjusted accordingly to ensure that investment properties are not materially misstated in the financial statements.