Practice Area
Easements, Access & Property Rights
Valuation of how a right granted, acquired, restricted, or disputed affects the use and market value of real property.
The Property Right Comes First
The area affected is not the whole valuation question
An easement or access condition may affect use, privacy, maintenance, development, circulation, financing, or highest and best use. The analysis must identify the right involved and its practical effect on the property rather than apply a standard percentage to the land area.
The existence of a burden does not establish a loss in value. The appraiser must determine whether market participants recognize the condition and whether its effect can be supported.
Common Assignment Issues
Different rights create different economic effects
AccessLegal and practical ingress, egress, circulation, route utility, and the portion of the property actually served.
Permanent EasementsRights that continue with the property and may affect use, development, maintenance, or buyer demand.
Temporary RightsConstruction, access, or other temporary burdens whose duration and practical effects must be defined.
Private Ways & NecessityValuation under legally defined route or access assumptions without deciding the underlying entitlement.
EncroachmentsConflicts involving boundaries, improvements, use, or another ownership interest.
Highest & Best UseWhether the right or restriction changes a legally permissible, physically possible, financially feasible use.