Which term refers to the actual amount a buyer pays for a property?

The term that refers to the actual amount a buyer pays for a property is "Price." Price is the specific monetary sum that is agreed upon in a transaction between the buyer and seller. It reflects what the buyer is willing to pay and what the seller is willing to accept, and is often documented in the purchase agreement.

In contrast, the other terms represent different concepts in real estate. Market value refers to the estimated worth of a property based on comparable sales and other factors, indicating what a property could sell for in the current market conditions, rather than the specific transaction price. Cost generally refers to the expenses involved in acquiring or developing a property, which may include purchase price, closing costs, and additional expenses, but does not directly equal the payment made for the property itself. Investment value pertains to the value of a property to a particular investor, based on their specific investment criteria and expected return, which may differ from the actual price paid during a transaction.

Understanding these differences clarifies why "Price" is the most accurate term for the actual monetary amount exchanged in a real estate transaction.