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Conservation Easement

A conservation easement is a legal agreement restricting land development to preserve environmental or heritage values.

Conservation Easement

September 30, 2025


What is Conservation Easement?

A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement that restricts land use to protect environmental, agricultural, or heritage values. The land remains privately owned, but certain development rights are permanently limited or prohibited.

Why Conservation Easement Matters in Real Estate

Conservation easements matter in real estate because they preserve natural areas, farmland, or historic sites while allowing private ownership. They can affect property value, land use options, and tax implications for owners.

Example of Conservation Easement in Action

A farmer grants a conservation easement to a land trust, ensuring the land remains agricultural and cannot be developed into subdivisions, even if sold.

Key Takeaways

  • Voluntary agreement restricting land development rights.
  • Protects environmental, agricultural, or heritage values.
  • Land remains privately owned but with restrictions.
  • Can reduce property value while offering tax benefits.
  • Often permanent and binding on future owners.

Related Terms

Additional Terms

Public Realm Improvements

Public realm improvements are enhancements to public spaces such as sidewalks, parks, plazas, and streetscapes, often funded or contributed by. more

Mortgagee in Possession

A mortgagee in possession is a lender who takes control of a property after borrower default, but before foreclosure or power of sale. The lender. more

Lease Surrender Agreement

A lease surrender agreement is a negotiated contract between a landlord and tenant that ends a lease before its scheduled expiration. Terms may. more

Green Infrastructure

Green infrastructure refers to natural or engineered systems that manage stormwater, reduce heat, and improve sustainability in developments.. more

Escrow Holdback

An escrow holdback is a portion of funds withheld at closing and held in escrow until specific conditions are met, such as completion of repairs,. more

Underused Housing Tax

The Underused Housing Tax (UHT) is a federal annual 1% tax on the value of vacant or underused residential property owned by non-resident,. more

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