What is an Easement?
An easement creates a right of a party that is not an owner of the property. Easements can be used on shared driveways, or for services that need to run across a property to enable another lot to have access to utilities.
How do I know if my property is affected by an easement?
As part of our conveyancing service, we will review the title search and identify if there is a registered easement over the land. If an easement is registered, we recommend you instruct us to undertake an additional search of the easement, to understand the terms and conditions.
How does an easement affect my property?
There may be restrictions placed on how you can use the property and the land the easement covers. This can include building on the easement. When applications for development approval are lodged, any registered easements will be taken into consideration.
You may not be able to build in an area that would restrict access to the easement, or to fence off a right of way to prevent access. Other types of restrictions may apply – for example, you may not be able to plant certain types of trees on or near a water pipe.
I am selling my property; do I have to disclose my easement?
Short answer, yes. Every easement or encumbrance (registered or not) must be disclosed in the Contract for sale. Generally under the standard contract terms, if you do not and the buyer discovers an easement or encumbrance, which affects the property that was not disclosed, the buyer may be able to terminate the contract.
