Definition of "Adjoining property"

Kelly Ho-Montoya real estate agent

Written by

Kelly Ho-Montoyaelite badge icon

Paramount Real Estate Services

The definition of adjoining properties describes two or more real estate properties, lots, or parcels that shared a boundary. A property that shares a common border with another is contiguous or touching the other; they are connected or share a border. The meaning of the term adjoining properties refers to two or more properties that share a common boundary. This boundary can be a fence owned by both adjoining owners, a wall that is part of two houses, and the two owners share these. The two adjoining properties are “joined” through an element that can be either a wall or a fence that both properties share legal rights to.

How do adjoining properties work with abutter’s rights?

The legal definition of adjoining properties expresses how the two properties have a legal claim over a shared boundary. Because of this legal claim, the two adjoining owners have to respect the shared property and the boundary it represents so that it would not affect the other owner’s legal rights. In many cases, adjoining owners of adjoining properties have to respect the Abutter’s rights and not infringe on them as that can lead to legal disputes. 

How do adjoining properties work with the right of way?

The term adjoining properties is also used when talking about parcels of land that share a boundary or touch along a boundary. Parcels that are adjoining properties can create a scenario in which adjoining owners may require a right of way easement if one of the properties do not have direct access to a road. In case two adjoining properties stretch along a road, and a third property that adjoins the other two along the opposite side from the road, the third adjoining property needs access to the road somehow. This will lead to a requirement of the two other adjoining owners to grant the third-parcel owner a right of way through a portion of their shared boundary. The third adjoining owner will then use this for transit, and like this, he will not be trespassing the other two owners’ properties.

Comments for Adjoining Property

Bobby Bobby said:

can two parcels of land be joined together when there is a public road between them. We are in the State of Wisconsin in the village of Sherwood

Jun 14, 2024  16:22:57

 
Real Estate Agent

Hello Bobby. Thank you for reaching out!
Yes, you can join two parcels of land even if there's a public road between them, but it's a bit tricky. In Wisconsin, particularly in Sherwood, you'll need to get the okay from local authorities. It usually means dealing with some paperwork and possibly re-zoning.

Think of it like merging two puzzle pieces with a line between them. You might need to "erase" that line legally. Most times, this involves talking to your local planning or zoning departments. They'll guide you on the steps to take.

But remember, roads are public, so totally joining the parcels might not physically remove the road. It's more about the legal status of the land. Hope this helps! Feel free to reach out with more questions.

Jun 18, 2024  05:50:36
 
Zane  Pitt Zane Pitt said:

Would a house on the other side of the road be adjoining property?

Sep 30, 2019  22:56:58

 
Real Estate Agent

Hi, Zane! Thank you for reaching out to us. A house on the other side of the road is not considered "adjoining property". However, the road, which is usually a public property or a public good, is "adjoining" or really next to the house. You may also want to find the definition of abutting. These two are quite similar.  

Oct 01, 2019  17:32:50
 
Anette Reyes Anette Reyes said:

does an adjoining property has separate title or one title only? Thanks

Mar 28, 2019  02:48:33

 
Real Estate Agent

An adjoining property belongs to someone (individual, LLC, local government) so it has a separate title. If your house or land is bordering two or more properties, then each property will be registered on a different deed

Apr 02, 2019  05:49:56
 
 
image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

Amount paid back or credit given because of an overcollection or the return of property sold. Also called refund. Unearned interest refunded to a borrower if the loan is paid off before ...

The term effective interest rate is the actual return from a savings account or any investment where you pay interest when considering the effects of compounding costs over time. Through an ...

Managing the day-to-day activities in a real estate brokerage office including recruiting and training new real estate agents, holding real estate closings, updating and managing real ...

Frame surrounding a door or window to block adverse weather. It may be made of wood, metal, or other material. The frame may be fixed or moveable. ...

To default on a loan means to intentionally or unintentionally miss several consecutive monthly payments over the course of a few weeks or months. Most borrowers learn the definition of ...

Sewer whose sole purpose is o carry away domestic waste water. ...

Building that is elaborately built with columns in a symmetrical way, generally with three floors and a gabled roof. ...

An Act, passed by congress in order to prevent the practice of redlining and disinvestments in central city areas. Redlining is a practice in which lenders refuse to make loans in certain ...

Subordinate neighborhoods that are tied to an urban area economically. For example, office buildings in a city are the workplace for residents in surrounding communities. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions