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Define Landlocked in Real Estate
Landlocked:
"Landlocked" means a piece of land that has no direct access to a public road or highway. In other words, if you own land that is landlocked, you can't get to it without crossing over someone else's property. This can make it difficult to use or develop the land.
Example:
For example, let's say you buy a big piece of land in the middle of a forest. But there are no roads or paths that lead directly to it. Instead, you have to drive through your neighbor's property to get there. If your neighbor decides to block your way, you won't be able to get to your land.
"A Deep Dive for Real Estate Agents and Appraisers"
If someone owns a landlocked property, they may have a few options to get access to it:
Negotiate an easement: An easement is a legal agreement between the landowner and a neighboring property owner that allows the landlocked owner to cross over the neighboring property to get to their land. This can be a permanent or temporary agreement, and can involve payment to the neighbor for use of their land.
Purchase a right-of-way: If there is a neighboring property that has access to a public road or highway, the landlocked owner may be able to purchase a right-of-way, which is a legal right to use the neighboring property to access their land. This can be a one-time payment or a recurring payment, and the terms of the agreement should be put in writing and recorded with the local government.
Obtain a prescriptive easement: If the landlocked owner has been using a neighbor's property to access their land for a certain amount of time (usually 10-20 years), they may be able to obtain a prescriptive easement, which is a legal right to use the neighboring property to access their land. This can be a difficult and time-consuming process, and requires proof of continuous use of the neighboring property.
"Wit & Whimsy with the Dumb Ox: Unlocking Knowledge with Rhyme:"
Oh landlocked, landlocked, it's a sticky situation,
Your land is stuck, with no way out, it's like a land vacation,
No road to travel, no path to take, no driveway or lane,
Without crossing someone else's property, your land is in pain.
It's like a cake without frosting, or a house without doors,
Without a way to access it, your land is no more,
So be careful when buying, and make sure you see,
If your land is landlocked, it may not be the place to be.