In this paper we adopt two exploratory modelling techniques: Model Trees and Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines. The objective is the building of two sale price prediction models in order to highlight possible market segments not detectable a priori. We show how these novel procedures can help to understand complex patterns and interactions among predictors in real estate appraisal.

In order to estimate the ornamental value of trees, many countries use specific parametric methods, which however are based on a subjective choice of parameters and assignment of respective weights. Aim of the paper is the overcoming of the above limits through the implementation of a different methodological path based on Choice Experiments. It allows the anchoring of the ornamental value to the utility that the community derives from the enjoyment of aesthetic, architectural, historical and cultural externalities of trees

In recent years, the media impact of the damage from electromagnetic fields generated by high voltage power lines on human health has grown considerably. Hence, judges increasingly require the assessment of the compensation concerning the land depreciation for the perception of the health risk from land market operators, regardless of the land use and the ascertainment of the health damage. The aim of this paper is the assessment of the “perceptive” devaluation of the Apulia agricultural lands in the presence of high voltage power lines and for different crop systems, in order to present a methodological approach that could support the experts appointed by judges. The analysis clearly shows that the perception of the risk of damage to human health is strongly felt by land market operators, causing an average devaluation of 33% and even up to 50% for greenhouses and farm buildings.

Since 2013, a large area of the province of Lecce is affected by the spread of the quarantine bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, which infects olive trees. To date, the disease affects about 18,900 hectares (20% of the province territory) in which there are almost 2.1 million of olive trees (20% of the olive-groves of Salento). The damage to olive firms relates to the direct loss of income due to the death of the trees. Furthermore, noteworthy is the economic importance of olive sector in the area. The objective of this work is the analysis of the economic impacts of the infection to the olive groves of Salento, with reference to the immediate damage (irreversible loss of affected plants) as well as to the changes in farming techniques introduced by the guidelines of Apulia Region in order to prevent the spread of the infection. In addition, the study focuses on the monetary valuation of the benefits loss, due to the impact of disease on the olive tree landscape of the area.