What is an easement and how does it affect my property as a buyer?

An easement is a registered right that allows someone other than the owner to use part of the property for a specific purpose. Common examples include utility easements (giving a hydro or gas company the right to run lines across part of your lot), drainage easements, and right-of-way easements that allow a neighbour to cross your land to reach their property.

Easements run with the land, meaning they bind you as the new owner even though you had nothing to do with creating them. They show up on a title search and will be noted in your title insurance policy. Some easements have minimal practical impact; others can restrict what you build or how you use a portion of your lot.

Your lawyer will flag any easements found during the title search and explain what they mean for your intended use of the property. If an easement is broad or unusual, it is worth understanding clearly before you waive conditions or close. You generally cannot remove an easement unilaterally — it requires agreement with the party holding the right.