BiggerPockets

Is it a big problem when a property is "land locked"? The property I'm looking at has a weird lot configuration. The driveway is about 150 feet long and goes right between two properties...so technically its on the street, just have to drive down the lane. Should I use that when negotiating with seller?

John Thein

I always thought people 'had' to give you access to landlocked property. Recent legal developments have changed my mind. If you have real deep pockets of cash you dont mind giving to attorneys and outcome is still in doubt,,,check first as Jon said,, Either you OWN the access,permanent recorded easement exists,,,or run as fast as you can,,,specially if its contested now with access owning owner.

Only result of a court case is
1. you stomp the grapes
2. end up with the pitts
3. Attorney drinks the wine

Jon is right. The property is worthless. You can use it as a contingency in your purchase agreement that your price is determined by what you have to pay the neighbors for access. Make sure it is a recorded easement and not just a verbal agreement.

I would recommend a title company for the transaction so everything is in order and you can't be left out to dry after you buy the property.

If the driveway is a legal easement, and it is wide enough to get a moving truck down it, I can't see any reason for it to be valued less. In fact, if it isn't on a street, it isn't going to have traffic noise, which is a plus to me.

There isn't going to be on street parking, so be sure it has adequate parking. I won't buy a place with no parking.

By the way, that kind of lot is called a "flag lot", in my area. House area is the flag, driveway is the flag pole.