Which of the following is considered 'soft costs' in appraisals?

Soft costs refer to expenses that are not directly tied to the physical construction of a project. They are often associated with the planning and execution phases of a project and can significantly impact its overall cost. Design and professional fees fall under this category because they encompass expenditures related to services such as architectural design, engineering, consulting, and project management. These costs are essential for ensuring that the project meets regulatory requirements and achieves the desired design and functionality.

In contrast, construction labor and building materials are categorized as hard costs, as they are necessary for the actual construction of the physical structure. Profit margins typically relate to the financial aspects of a project and are not classified as soft costs either. Thus, recognizing design and professional fees as soft costs emphasizes their role in the preparatory and strategic components of a project, which ultimately contribute to its successful completion and value assessment.