Is there Zakah due on the land put up for sale if the land business is unmarketable?

Q: Six years ago, there was a boom in the sale, purchase and shareholding of large plots of land in the city of Riyadh. Some people purchased the land for themselves and others purchased the land and put it to shareholding in return for a commission from the shareholders. The price of land was running high continuously. However, soon the curve of prices began to decrease and there was stagnation. (Part No. 8; Page No. 102

A: Zakah is due on land put up for sale after the passing of a Hawl (one lunar year calculated from the time a property reaches the minimum amount upon which Zakah is due) every year, because it is a commercial commodity. The value should be calculated by the end of the year and 2.5% should be paid as Zakah from the estimated value. This is admittedly true regardless of whether the land business is salable or unmarketable, (Part No. 8; Page No. 103) based on the general evidence on the obligation of Zakah regarding things prepared for sale and trade.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.