What is an easement in real estate?

An easement in real estate is defined as a right to use another person's land for a specific purpose. This legal right allows a third party to access or use a portion of someone else's property without possessing it. For example, utilities may require an easement to install power lines or pipelines across private land.

This definition highlights the importance of easements in facilitating access and ensuring that necessary services can be provided without ownership transfers. Easements can take various forms, such as right-of-way easements, which allow passage over a property, and utility easements, which grant rights for infrastructure placement.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of what an easement is. Sharing property values refers to a financial agreement or consideration, while restrictions on property sales pertain to limitations imposed on the ability to sell real estate, and a temporary license for construction work usually pertains to permissions granted for specific activities without the long-term implications of an easement. These distinctions are crucial for understanding the unique function and legal standing of easements within the framework of real estate.