Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Indiana

I recently purchased a house and 5 acres in a remote location bordering a creek. My grandmother has a few acres bordering my property that is landlocked between my property and the creek. The only accessible way to it is through my property, which is back a 1/2 mile lane that came with my house. Since i have made the purchase she is wanting to deed her small piece to my aunt and have me sign an easement granting them access. While my grandmother sees this as simple , im not so sure. I paid quite a bit more for the property because of the location and privacy it offered. It is now being told to me after i secured the property that my aunt wishes to build a house back on the land my grandma wishes to deed to her. How do i go about determining what an easement would be worth and how much it would devalue my property. Without a doubt the privacy and location are the most valuable aspects of this property and i worry this could effect future buyers as well. The way i feel is that i will most certainly have to move because the privacy is the only reason i paid a premium for this purchase. I paid $200,000 for a house and five acres that would most likely have and appraised value in the $120,000 range in todays current market. I also would not have made the purchase to begin with if I knew this was their intentions. Any help is appreciated as this is not a spot I like being in.

Andrew C.


Asked on 1/26/10, 7:35 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jay Rigdon Rockhill Pinnick LLP

You can't landlock property...the other owner will always have an easement by necessity, if nothing else, and you will not have the right to limit access to that land purely on your own. If you want to find the value of a deeded easement, contact a certified real estate appraiser in your community.

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Answered on 2/01/10, 7:17 am


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