What can an easement potentially do to a property’s value?

An easement can potentially limit the full use of a property, which affects its overall value. An easement grants another party the right to use a portion of the property for a specific purpose, such as access to a road or utilities. This limitation can restrict the current owner’s ability to develop or utilize their property fully, which may reduce its market appeal and financial worth.

For instance, if a property has an easement for a utility company to run power lines, the owner might be restricted in building structures in that area, which can detract from the property's usability and desirability. Potential buyers might perceive these restrictions as a detriment, leading to a lower valuation than a comparable property without such constraints. Therefore, an easement can create limitations that directly influence the perceived and actual value of a property by reducing the owner's rights and control over their land.