Frontage
Definition and meaning of Frontage in real estate.
Frontage is the portion of a real estate parcel that directly borders a public right-of-way, road, highway, or body of water.
In more detail
Access and visibility are crucial components of land value, making frontage a key feature that appraisers, buyers, and developers examine. A property with significant road frontage is easier to access, subdivide, or develop for commercial purposes. Conversely, landlocked properties that lack frontage are generally less valuable and require access easements to be reached.
In residential real estate, water frontage along a lake, river, or ocean commands a premium price due to the high demand for scenic views and direct water access.
Key facts
| Category | Buying & Selling |
|---|---|
| Border Type | Road, street, highway, or water |
| Access Impact | Provides legal ingress and egress |
| Valuation Influence | Key component in appraisal calculations |
A buyer selects a building lot with direct frontage on a public road to ensure they have legal and permanent access to their new home.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between frontage and front footage?
Frontage is the actual boundary line that borders a road or water, while front footage is the physical measurement of that boundary in linear feet.
Can you build on a lot without road frontage?
In many jurisdictions, you cannot build on a lot without frontage unless you obtain a legal easement granting access to a public road.