Easements in Real Estate: What Homeowners Should Know

Picture this: You’re about to close on your dream home, and everything seems perfect—until your agent mentions a "utility easement" running across the backyard. Suddenly, you’re wondering: Can someone else really access my land?

If that sounds like your situation, don’t worry—we’ve got you.

Key Takeaways:

• Easements grant others limited access to your property for specific uses.
• They can affect property value, privacy, and resale potential.
• There are different types of easements (utility, access, prescriptive, etc.).
• Easements don’t necessarily transfer full ownership rights.
• Homebuyers should check title reports and surveys for existing easements.

In this guide, we’ll break down what easements are, why they matter, and how to navigate them confidently whether you’re buying, selling, or already owning a home.

What Is an Easement in Real Estate?

An easement is a legal right that allows someone to use a portion of your property for a specific purpose—without owning it.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

• You own the land
• Someone else has the right to use part of it for a specific reason

Common Easement Examples:

• Utility Easements – Allow utility companies to install and maintain power lines, water pipes, etc.
  
  
• Ingress/Egress Easements – Allow someone to pass through your land to access another property.
• Prescriptive Easements – Created through long-term, unauthorized use that becomes legal over time.
• Easement by Necessity – Required access when land is landlocked with no legal route to a road.

Pro Tip: Easements often appear in property records, surveys, and title reports. Always review these before closing.

Do Easements Impact Property Ownership?

Yes, but not in the way you might think.

Easements don’t give someone ownership of your land, but they do limit how you can use certain parts of it. For example:

• You may not be able to build on areas with a utility easement.
• You might be legally required to allow access via a driveway easement.
• Disputes can arise if easement boundaries aren’t clearly marked.

That’s why understanding existing easements before you buy is crucial. It’s not just about what you can do on your property—it’s about what others can legally do on your property too.

How to Check for Easements Before Buying a Home?

Before you sign on the dotted line, check for easements using the following steps:

1. Review the Title Report – This document outlines legal rights associated with the property.
2. Get a Land Survey – A professional survey will show easement boundaries.
3. Ask Your Real Estate Agent or Attorney – They can identify red flags.
4. Check Public Records – County records often show recorded easements.

Heads up: Easements can be permanent ("in gross") or transferable ("appurtenant"). Make sure you understand what applies to your situation.

Can You Remove or Modify an Easement?

Yes, sometimes. Here’s how it works:

• Negotiation: Talk with the easement holder about release or modification.
• Abandonment: If an easement isn’t used for years, you might challenge it in court.
• Legal Action: In some cases, easements can be removed by legal proceedings.
  

Important: Removing or modifying easements is often complex. Always consult a real estate attorney.

How do Easements Affect Property Value and Resale?

Easements can impact:

• Marketability: Some buyers may walk away once they see easement details.
• Value: Certain easements may reduce land usability or desirability.
• Financing: Lenders may hesitate on properties with complex easement issues.

Pro Tip: Disclose all easements upfront when selling. Transparency builds trust and protects you legally.

Protecting Yourself from Easement Surprises

Easements aren’t necessarily deal-breakers—but they’re deal definers.

Understanding who can use your property, and for what purpose, is essential to making smart homeownership decisions. The more you know about easements, the fewer surprises you’ll face down the road.

When buying or selling, team up with platforms and lenders that prioritize transparency and education—like Be My Neighbor (NMLS #1743790) and realpha, a modern, commission-free home buying platform that partners with vetted mortgage experts to guide you from search to close.

FAQs

What is the most common type of easement?

‍Utility easements are the most common. They allow service providers access for infrastructure maintenance.

Can a neighbor use my property without permission?

‍Not legally, unless they have an easement. If they use it long enough, it could become a prescriptive easement.

Do easements lower property value?

‍Sometimes. If the easement restricts land use or access, it may impact value.

Are easements permanent?

‍Some are. Others may expire, be conditional, or be removed through legal means.

Where can I find easement information?

‍Start with your title report and land survey. You can also visit your county’s property records office.

Compliance Disclosures:

• Be My Neighbor is a licensed mortgage lender. NMLS #1743790.
• realpha is a home buying platform and not a licensed mortgage lender. All mortgage services are provided through licensed partners.
• This blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.

Always consult a qualified real estate attorney or licensed mortgage advisor for easement-related concerns.