How Much Does a Driveway Easement Cost?

Last Updated on February 21, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

The concept of driveway easement often arises in talks about property ownership. Many property owners reach a point where they start to wonder about the costs of granting or obtaining a driveway easement.

This article should shed light on the purpose and intricacies of driveway easements as well as the most effective strategies to negotiate and factors that will influence their cost. Once you understand the elements involved, you, as a property owner, will understand all of the expenses associated with driveway easements, making it easier for you to make an informed decision.

How Much Does a Driveway Easement Cost?

The average cost of driveway easement is between $3 and $5 per square foot. The final price will usually depend on several important factors, including the cost of construction, the purpose of the easement, the width and length of the easement, the type of easement, and so on.

Aside from the costs related to the construction, the property owner will also have to consider the expenses of hiring an attorney or a surveyor and obtaining all of the necessary permits.

Factors Affecting the Cost of a Driveway Easement

Several factors will dictate the cost of a driveway easement:

• Cost of construction: As an easement holder, you might have to cover all of the expenses associated with the construction of the driveway.
• Purpose of the easement: Easements intended for residential use will usually be more expensive than those intended for commercial use.
• Length and width of the easement: You will likely spend more on wider and longer easements.
• Type of easement: Implied easements are usually more expensive than express easements.
• Location of the property: Rural areas will usually have lower costs compared to urban areas.

Negotiating the Cost of a Driveway Easement

You will have to undertake these steps when trying to negotiate the cost of a driveway easement so that you reach a mutually beneficial easement agreement:

• Research: To have a proper understanding of what a reasonable price is, research the average cost of easements around you.
• Get Quotes From Multiple Sources: Different contractors will usually offer differing quotes. Explore your options and compare the costs.
• Collaboration: Find a mutually beneficial agreement by working together with the easement holder. You will have an easier negotiation when parties understand each other’s needs and have transparent communication.
• Construction Costs: It isn’t uncommon for the easement holder to shoulder the expenses related to shared driveway construction, which will have an impact on the final cost.
• Flexibility: Finding a fair resolution that will satisfy the needs of everyone involved and being open to negotiating should be an objective of both parties.

What is a Driveway Easement for the Property Owner?

The driveway easement is a type of “right of way” easement that allows you to drive over the property that belongs to someone else and be able to access it at need. There are several types of driveway easements. Among the most common are easements by necessity, prescriptive easements, implied easements, and express easements.

If you want to know whether you have a property that has a driveway easement, you will have to examine the property deed or contact the local land records office. As a final solution, you can also look for the help of a real estate attorney or a title insurance company.

Impact of Driveway Easements on Property Value

Driveway easements are known to reduce available land for development and limit property use, depending on their type, which means that they also affect the property value. You can talk with a real estate appraiser or check the effects of easements in your area if you want to have a better understanding of the impact an easement has on property value.

You might also like our articles about the cost of driveway repaving and resurfacing, driveway widening, or driveway security gate installation.

You can also consider the potential impact on home additions because private easements might require additional approval and permits.

Final words

It is essential that you understand the cost of a driveway easement if you’re a property owner when involved in obtaining and granting agreements. The cost of an easement is affected by many factors. It’s always better to properly communicate with the holder, research, and get quotes, to ensure that you’re getting the best deal. Get appraiser advice but also consider the value of your property. This is the only way in which you will be sure you have made a smart decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are easements acquired?

You can obtain an easement through several means. A written agreement between the easement holder and the property owner is usually the easiest approach. A prescriptive easement is another common way. This is acquired by continuously and openly using someone’s property for a specific period, like using a beach path or a driveway.

Implied easements become a reality when there is the need to use and enjoy a property like accessing a landlocked property through one of the neighboring ones.

What is the easement price per square foot?

The driveway easement price per square foot will vary based on construction costs, purpose, width, length, easement type, and location, among other factors. Companies charge, on average, around $3 to $5 per square foot, although these prices differ by location and will ultimately be open for negotiation.

When researching the final price in your specific situation, it is a good idea to negotiate properly, obtain multiple quotes, and research average costs in the area. One example of a good deal is paying around $400 for a 2,000-square-foot triangle.

Can a property owner reverse an easement?

There are cases in which property owners will be able to terminate an easement or reverse it. State laws, independent terms, and the easement type will dictate whether reversal is possible or not. There are states, for example, that mandate that an easement can reach its termination under certain conditions.