What Is Legal Access to Land? How to Avoid Landlocked Property
Introduction
Imagine buying your dream piece of land — only to find out you can’t legally get to it.
It happens all the time.
One of the biggest mistakes new land buyers make is assuming they can drive to or build on a parcel just because it shows up on Google Maps.
In this post, we’ll explain:
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What “legal access” means
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The different types of access (and red flags)
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Why landlocked property can ruin your investment
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How to confirm access before you buy
🚗 What Is Legal Access?
Legal access means you have the legal right to enter your property—usually by road—even if you must cross someone else’s land.
There are three types:
| Type of Access | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Deeded Access | A written, recorded easement giving you permanent use of a road or path |
| Public Road Access | Your land touches a public road you’re legally allowed to use |
| Prescriptive Easement | Unwritten right gained through long-term use (often riskier to rely on) |
⚠️ Just because a dirt road leads to the parcel doesn't mean it’s legal to use it.
🚫 What Is a Landlocked Parcel?
A landlocked property has no legal access—meaning:
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You must cross someone else’s private land to reach it
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You could be trespassing if you try to enter
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You may be unable to get permits, utilities, or even resell it
Even if the parcel physically looks accessible, if access isn’t legally documented, it can be a big problem later.
🔍 How to Check for Legal Access (Before You Buy)
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Ask for the APN or parcel number
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Call the County Recorder or Assessor’s Office
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Ask:
“Does this parcel have recorded legal access or a deeded easement?”
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Ask the seller for:
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A copy of the deed
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An easement document or plat map
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If unsure, hire a title company or land attorney to verify before closing
🎯 Don’t want to risk it? We only sell land with verified legal access
👉 Get Matched With Accessible Parcels
⚠️ Signs a Property Might Be Landlocked
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The listing says “access not verified”
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There's no visible road touching the parcel
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It's surrounded by other private parcels
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Seller avoids answering direct questions about access
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It's priced unusually low for the size/location
🛒 Browse Our Accessible Land Listings
🛠 What If the Land Has No Legal Access?
You still have a few options:
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Negotiate an easement with a neighboring landowner
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File a court action to establish access (expensive and slow)
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Use it recreationally if walk-in access is allowed
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Resell as a recreational or off-grid “prepper” lot at a discount
💡 Some investors flip landlocked parcels creatively, but it’s not recommended for beginners.
📘 Free Resource: The Land Investing Bible
Want to learn the full due diligence process?
📘 Download Our Free 30-Page Land Investing Bible
It includes:
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Access checklist
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Questions to ask the county
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Title and easement red flags
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Step-by-step due diligence flow
Final Thoughts
Legal access is non-negotiable if you plan to build, live, or even flip your land later.
Never assume access is legal just because it looks easy to reach.
Verify it. Document it. And if you’re not sure—let us help you buy smarter.
Only Buy Land with Verified Access
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