Does A Sewer Utility Easement Affect Property Value?

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Easements, particularly a Utility Easement, is essential to understand if you purchase a piece of property.

A sewer utility easement should not affect the value of your property as long as the easement is not highly limiting. Most utility easements do not hurt a property’s value. Utility easements are set up for the good of the community.

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A Sewer Utility Easement And Property Values

Typically, a utility easement, such as a sewer utility easement, does not adversely affect the value of a property unless the easement imposes very tough restrictions on what the property owner may or may not do. To fully understand how the sewer easement can or cannot impact your property value, you need to understand what the easement entails.

In the case of a sewer utility easement, there may be underground sewer lines that can impact where you can build and what you can do on your property. For example, you may not be able to build a swimming pool because the utility company may not allow it.

If these are all you want to do, a utility easement can stop you from building or expanding on an area on your property. They can even prevent you from planting a tree.

The utility easement can also stop you from building or adding an addition to your home in an area you want to on your property.

If you feel that these things are stopping you from increasing the value of your property, then a utility easement may be hurting you somehow. But for most people, a utility easement does not hurt or affect the value of their property.

Utility Easements And Your Property

A utility easement is a common easement that gives local utility companies the right to use parts of a piece of land or your property. There could be pre-existing utility easements on a property that you purchase.

Utility easements such as sewer, electricity, television, telephone, or water are necessary for these services on your and others’ property. This is why a utility easement exists for the good of the community.

For example, if it is more cost-effective for the utility company to run a line straight through a property rather than around it, they will get a utility easement. To do this, the key to a utility easement is that it’s all about the good of the community.

The utility easement does not give the utility company the right to do whatever it wishes on your property. Still, they are allowed to do things for the good of the community or, as stated on the utility easement.

Things To Consider About Utility Easements

A utility easement is relatively common and on many properties. If you are looking to purchase a piece of property or home, you may find a utility easement on that property.

Here are a few things to remember about a utility easement:

Utility Easements Are Common

Utility easements are common. Many properties will have a utility easement on them.

You Still Own The Property

You still own the property with a utility easement, except you’re giving certain legal rights to some utility companies.

For the Good Of the Community

Utility easements are set up for the good of the entire community. So, in a sense, the utility easement is helping you, your neighbors, and your community.

Utility Easement Taken Into Account When Purchasing

When you are purchasing a piece of property with a utility easement on it, the utility easement has already been taken into account on the price and sale of the property.

Gives Utility Company Rights

The utility easement allows the utility company the right to enter your property when needed. They can also limit or decide certain things you can or cannot do on your property. For example, they could come and cut a tree or stop you from planting a tree.

Utility Company Rights Are Limited

The utility easement does not allow the utility company to do anything they want to on your property. Their rights are minimal, as stated on the utility easement.

Should Not Be A Purchasing Deal Breaker

If a property has a utility easement, it usually should not be a dealbreaker for you to purchase the property. Just check very carefully what the utility easement entails and how that easement will hurt you for the things you want to do on the property.

A utility easement is quite a common thing on many types of property. And a sewer utility easement is also common. It should not adversely affect the value of your property.

But with any easement, it is good to check and understand precisely how it limits any additions, buildings, or other things you may want to do on your property.

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What Happens If You Build On An Easement?

Usually, you can build on an easement as long as it does not interfere with its purpose. You should seek permission from the person with the easement to ensure there is no issue with the easement and what the easement is intended. If unsure, you can also seek legal or other professional advice.

By clicking here, you can read more about What Happens If You Build On An Easement?

What Can I Do With A Utility Easement On My Property?

A utility easement gives the utility company full access to your property for the “good of the community.” The Utility company does not need to get permission to enter your property or work on your property. In fact, due to the utility easement, they could cut down trees, dig holes in your garden, or even not allow you to build an underground swimming pool or plant a tree.

By clicking here, you can read more about What Can I Do With A Utility Easement On My Property?

Anita Hummel
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