Easement

An easement gives a third party the legal right to use or enter a portion of your land without owning it. Common easements in Australia include sewer line access, stormwater drainage, electrical infrastructure, shared driveways and council right of way. While easements do not remove ownership, they may restrict what you can build or how you can alter that part of the property. Buyers sometimes worry about easements because they assume they reduce privacy or future development potential, even when the impact is minimal. Sellers must disclose all easements in the contract of sale and provide supporting documents to avoid legal complications. A strong agent knows how to address concerns early, provide clear explanations and ensure buyers understand what the easement actually means in practical terms. When communicated well, easements rarely prevent a successful sale and often have less impact than buyers initially believe.

Practical Example

You decide to sell your home and your conveyancer confirms there is a sewer easement running along the back fence. Your agent prepares for buyer questions by gathering sewer diagrams and council documentation that explain the access requirements. During open homes, a few buyers ask whether they can build a pool or extension in that area. Your agent responds clearly, outlining where building is restricted and how past owners have navigated the easement without issues. Buyers appreciate the transparency and see that the easement does not affect the main living area or yard use. As the campaign progresses, one buyer submits an offer that reflects full market value because the easement has been communicated professionally and confidently. The sale proceeds smoothly because the agent handled the issue early and decisively.