Landlocked Property in 2025: What It Means & How to Gain Access
Introduction
You found the perfect parcel: cheap, secluded, and full of trees.
But there’s one big problem…
🚫 There’s no legal road access.
It’s what’s known as landlocked property — and while it can be a great deal, it also comes with major challenges.
Can you still build? Can you visit? Can you sell it later?
This blog post breaks it all down so you can buy smart and avoid getting “locked in.”
🗺️ What Is a Landlocked Property?
A landlocked property is a parcel of land that does not have direct legal access to a public road.
That means:
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You can’t legally drive to it across someone else’s land without permission
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There’s no recorded easement allowing access
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In many cases, it’s surrounded by private landowners
📘 Learn about access rights and easements in the Free Land Investing Bible
✅ Pros of Buying Landlocked Property
Believe it or not, there are some upsides:
1. Lower Price
Landlocked parcels are often 50–80% cheaper than nearby accessible lots.
2. More Privacy
No one’s driving past. Perfect for off-grid camping, hunting, or nature lovers.
3. Investment Opportunity
Unlocking access can significantly raise value, especially in growing areas.
4. Potential for Negotiation
If nearby landowners are friendly, you may be able to create legal access fairly easily.
⚠️ Cons of Landlocked Property
Of course, there are serious downsides:
1. No Legal Access
You may not be able to drive to, build on, or even visit the land without trespassing.
2. Financing Issues
Most banks won’t lend on landlocked parcels — even with a solid down payment.
3. Permitting Restrictions
Counties may not issue permits if there’s no legal road access.
4. Resale Challenges
Hard to resell unless you resolve the access issue first.
🔑 How to Gain Access to Landlocked Land
There are several ways to legally unlock your property:
1. Negotiate a Private Easement
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Ask a neighboring landowner for a recorded easement
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May require a payment or land trade
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Must be filed with the county to be enforceable
2. Use an Existing Prescriptive Easement
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If a path has been used continuously for years, it may qualify as a prescriptive right-of-way
3. File a Court Action
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If no one will grant access, you may be able to file a “necessity easement” lawsuit
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Courts often favor access if you’re truly landlocked
4. Access by Foot (Temporarily)
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Some landlocked owners hike in, but this doesn’t solve long-term issues for building or utilities
💡 We help buyers find parcels with existing easements or road access — check out our Land Finder Tool
🧭 How to Know If a Parcel Is Landlocked
Before buying any rural land, check for:
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Recorded easements in the deed or title
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Road frontage on public or private roads
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Visible trails or driveways (check Google Maps or walk the land)
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A statement from the seller or county about access
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The plat map — does it connect to a right-of-way?
🛑 Never assume you can drive across someone’s property just because it’s “always been done.”
🔍 Real Examples
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A buyer in Arkansas picked up a landlocked 0.3 acre parcel for $500 — and later sold it for $3,500 after negotiating a 10-ft access easement
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In Texas, a homesteader bought 5 landlocked acres but was denied a building permit without road access
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In Oregon, a land investor filed a quiet title action to gain legal right-of-way and tripled the parcel’s value
Final Thoughts
Landlocked properties can be amazing opportunities — or expensive mistakes.
If you want a remote getaway, private hunting spot, or long-term investment, these parcels might make sense.
But only if you:
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Understand the risks
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Do proper due diligence
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Have a plan to secure access
Want Help Finding Land With Legal Access or Easements?
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