Legal Definitions - land description

A land description, also known as a legal description, is a precise and unambiguous written statement that identifies a specific parcel of real estate. Unlike a street address, which can change or refer to multiple units within a building, a legal description provides a unique identifier for a piece of land that is legally sufficient to transfer ownership, establish boundaries, or record property interests. It is designed to be so accurate that a professional surveyor can locate the exact boundaries of the property based solely on the description.

Here are some examples illustrating how land descriptions are used:

• Example 1: Residential Property in a Subdivision

  Imagine a homeowner selling their house in a developed suburban area. The legal description for their property might read: "Lot 27, Block C, of the Green Valley Estates Subdivision, according to the plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 42, Page 18, Records of Maple County, State of Anystate."

  Explanation: This description precisely identifies the property by referring to a specific lot and block number within a publicly recorded subdivision map (known as a "plat"). This plat is a detailed drawing showing the exact dimensions, location, and boundaries of every lot within the Green Valley Estates Subdivision, making Lot 27, Block C, uniquely identifiable for all legal purposes.

• Example 2: Rural Acreage Using Metes and Bounds

  Consider a developer purchasing a large, undeveloped rural tract of land for a new project. Its legal description might be: "Beginning at an existing concrete monument found at the Southwest corner of Section 5, Township 2 North, Range 4 West; thence North 0 degrees 05 minutes East 1,200 feet; thence East 800 feet; thence South 0 degrees 05 minutes West 1,200 feet; thence West 800 feet to the point of beginning, containing 22.04 acres, more or less."

  Explanation: This is a "metes and bounds" description, which uses compass directions (metes) and distances (bounds) from a known starting point (the concrete monument at the section corner) to define the exact perimeter of the property. This method creates a closed boundary, ensuring the land is uniquely identified even in areas without formal subdivisions, by providing precise instructions for a surveyor to follow.

• Example 3: Commercial Condominium Unit

  A business owner buys an office unit within a multi-story commercial condominium building. The legal description for their specific unit might be: "Unit 705, Building A, of the Corporate Plaza Condominium, as per Declaration of Condominium recorded in Official Records Book 5678, Page 9012, and all amendments thereto, Public Records of Oak County, State of Anystate."

  Explanation: For a condominium, the legal description identifies a specific unit within a larger building by referencing the recorded condominium declaration. This declaration includes detailed floor plans and other documents that precisely define the boundaries of Unit 705, distinguishing it from all other units in the building and the common areas, thereby providing its unique legal identity.