Interesting questions and I can only pass on knowledge I have picked up over the years on the subject of timber homes.
In the case of log cabins and keeping its value, there is no real reason why it should diminish in value. I would dispute its a diminishing asset but a lot depends on where it is and what it is.
You do'n't get Huf Houses getting cheaper over the years. Now a 'Shed' may well go down in value but if you look at some of these 'Wood' houses they are spectacular both in design and siting.
Wood is a great insulator, concrete is not, thats why houses are built in wood in all cold countries. and in those countries pine grows slowly. In northern canada and Russia it takes years for a tree to get fully mature, it grain is as tight as Mahogany and is regarded as a 'hardwood' yet a pine grown on the equator will reach maturity a lot earlier and certainly is a softwood.
You don't find many infestations in hardwood and all timber would be tanalised and treated for insect infestment anyway.
Finally, wooden homes look great on short stilts to keep them off the ground (concrete) with a wrap around balcony complete with pool or Jacuzi no need to enlarge carbon footprints with concrete slabs.
If the house is used for rentals and creates an income whilst unoccupied by the owners, it becomes a business and if rental occupancy is high, its the business thats for sale. Example. A cabin costing 100k in theory may well yeild 20k a year. 5 years down the line you're in clover and rents do rise. Especially on beach and golf course areas.
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