What is an easement in real property terms?

An easement in real property terms refers to a legal right that allows one party to use a portion of another person's property for a specific purpose. This means that the owner of the property (the servient estate) grants the easement to another party (the dominant estate), allowing them to utilize the property in a defined manner, such as for utilities, access, or drainage. Easements do not convey ownership of the land, but they provide limited access or use rights that enable the holder to benefit from the servient property while still respecting the owner's overall control and rights to their property.

Understanding easements is crucial in property law as they can significantly impact property use, value, and development. This legal arrangement ensures that while one party retains ownership of the property, another can benefit from its use in a way that is predefined and agreed upon.