Air Lot
Definition and meaning of Air Lot in real estate.
An air lot is a designated three-dimensional space of air above a specific parcel of land that can be measured and legally described. This space can be bought, sold, leased, or transferred independently of the surface land below it.
In more detail
Air lots are essential in urban areas where land is scarce and vertical development is common. They are used to legally define condominium units in high-rise buildings, allowing individual owners to hold title to their specific units in the sky. To define an air lot, a surveyor measures the space using elevations above a specific benchmark, or datum point, rather than just surface boundaries.
This allows for clear property ownership and the creation of separate tax parcels for each unit. Without air lots, the legal ownership of multi-story developments would be difficult to establish.
Key facts
| Category | Legal, Titles & Closing |
|---|---|
| Primary use | Condominiums, high-rise buildings, and sky bridges |
| Measurement | Defined by elevation relative to a datum point |
| Legal characteristic | Can be sold or leased separately from the ground |
A developer purchases an air lot located above a city parking lot to construct a multi-story residential condominium building.
Frequently asked questions
How is an air lot described in a deed?
An air lot description includes the elevations of its floor and ceiling relative to a local official benchmark, along with horizontal boundary lines.
Do you own the ground if you own an air lot?
No, owning an air lot only gives you title to the specified airspace; the ground beneath is typically owned by another party or held as a common element in a condominium.