📍 What Does “Contiguous” Mean in Real Estate?
In real estate, contiguous means that two or more parcels of land touch, share a common boundary, or physically connect without any gap, road, waterway, or other property separating them. Contiguous parcels form a single, connected piece of property.
What Makes Land Contiguous?
Parcels are considered contiguous when they:
- Share a property line or boundary
- Touch at any point (even at a corner)
- Are connected without separation by another parcel
- Remain physically joined as a single block of land
Land is not contiguous if a road, creek, easement, utility strip, or separate owner’s land breaks the connection.
Why Contiguous Land Matters
Whether parcels are considered contiguous can affect:
- Zoning and land-use rules
- Subdivision and development approval
- Agricultural tax exemptions
- Lot combinations or consolidations
- Building restrictions and setbacks
- Access rights and easements
Some regulations require multiple parcels to be contiguous to qualify for certain tax benefits or development rights.
Examples of Contiguous Property
- Two side-by-side city lots that share a boundary → contiguous
- Two parcels that touch only at one corner → still contiguous
- Two lots separated by a public road → not contiguous
- Two parcels divided by a canal or another owner's property → not contiguous
A developer assembling land for a project often seeks multiple contiguous parcels to create one buildable block.
Why “Contiguous” Matters for FSBO Sellers
- Buyers may want contiguous parcels for expansions or outbuildings.
- Contiguous land may have higher value when sold together.
- Non-contiguous parcels may require separate listings or disclosures.
- Surveys and legal descriptions often verify whether parcels are legally contiguous.