What distinguishes brownfields from other land being considered for development?

Brownfields are properties that are potentially polluted. Unlike other properties, their development may be complicated due to environmental laws and regulations. If they must be remediated before development or redevelopment, this can significantly increase the cost of the project and result in developers seeking alternate, less expensive locations.

Brownfield land, in North America, is land that was previously used for industrial purposes, or any other use that puts of at risk of being potentially contaminated. This makes it a riskier and more complicated process for converting it into development for other uses, such as normal residence.