Property description: Overview, definition, and example
What is property description?
A property description is a detailed written account or narrative that provides specific information about a piece of real estate or property. It typically includes physical characteristics, boundaries, and legal identifiers that help uniquely define the property. Property descriptions are used in legal documents such as deeds, leases, and contracts to ensure that there is no ambiguity about which property is being referred to or transferred. A well-written property description helps establish the exact location and extent of the property in question, which is essential for property transactions, ownership disputes, and legal matters.
Why is property description important?
Property descriptions are important because they provide clarity and precision in identifying a specific property. They ensure that both parties in a transaction, such as a buyer and seller, clearly understand what is being transferred, leased, or discussed. A precise property description can prevent misunderstandings or disputes over the location, size, and boundaries of the property. It is especially critical in legal documents, where any vagueness in the property description could lead to legal challenges or complications down the road. Additionally, property descriptions play a key role in land surveying, zoning, and tax assessment processes.
Understanding property description through an example
For example, when a homeowner sells their property, the deed of sale will include a property description to clearly define the property being transferred. The description may include details such as:
- Street Address – The location of the property.
- Legal Description – A precise, technical description of the property’s boundaries, often using terms like metes and bounds, lot numbers, or coordinates.
- Acreage – The total size of the property in acres or square feet.
- Zoning Information – The type of property usage allowed (residential, commercial, etc.).
For example, the property description in a deed might read:
"All that certain piece or parcel of land situated in the City of Springfield, County of Greene, State of Missouri, described as follows: Beginning at a point on the north side of Maple Street, at the intersection with Oak Avenue; thence north 100 feet along Oak Avenue, thence east 50 feet along Elm Street, thence south 100 feet along the east side of Oak Avenue, thence west 50 feet along Maple Street to the point of beginning. This property is known as Lot 12, Block 3, of the Springfield Subdivision."
In another example, a commercial property lease might include a property description that specifies the leased space within a larger building, such as:
"The leased premises consist of approximately 1,500 square feet of office space located on the third floor of the building at 123 Main Street, Suite 301, Springfield, County of Greene, State of Missouri."
An example of a property description clause
Here’s how a property description clause might appear in a contract or deed:
“The property being sold is described as follows: all that tract or parcel of land located at [address], identified as Parcel Number [123-456-789], consisting of 2 acres, more or less, and further described in Exhibit A attached hereto, which is incorporated by reference into this Agreement.”
Conclusion
A property description is a key element in real estate transactions, ensuring clarity about the property being bought, sold, or leased. It provides precise details about the location, boundaries, and characteristics of the property, minimizing the risk of disputes and misunderstandings. Whether in deeds, leases, or contracts, having an accurate and well-defined property description is essential for legal certainty and smooth transactions.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.