Which of the following is a key characteristic of a master plan?

A master plan is fundamentally designed to provide a comprehensive overview of a community's vision for future growth and development. It outlines strategies for land use, guiding principles for development, and the allocation of resources toward achieving desired outcomes. This is a crucial aspect as it helps ensure that the community develops in a way that meets the needs of its residents while considering aspects like environmental sustainability, infrastructure, and economic development.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary function of a master plan. While legal documents may involve zoning changes, this is more a function of specific municipalities' regulatory frameworks, rather than being a characteristic of the master plan itself. Similarly, while a master plan might indirectly influence property sales through its developmental vision, it doesn’t outright restrict property sales. Finally, regulating rental prices typically falls within the realm of housing policies or market regulations, rather than the content of a master plan. Thus, the identification of a master plan being oriented around strategies for future land use and development encapsulates its essential purpose.