Written by Gurjit Ghai, REALTOR®
Rexara Realty Inc.·Published: October 8, 2026·Land Use & Subdivision
Legal access is a deal-breaker question that some buyers overlook until it is too late. A parcel that is landlocked — surrounded by other properties with no public road frontage — needs a registered easement or right-of-way across a neighbour's land to be usable, and without it the property can be effectively unbuildable and very hard to finance or insure.
A right-of-way is a legal interest that runs with the land, but its terms matter: is it year-round, is it maintained, is it wide enough for equipment, and who is responsible for upkeep? A seasonal or informal access that works in summer can be impassable in winter, and a right-of-way that is not properly registered on title may not be enforceable. Some rural parcels have access that is historical and unrecorded, which is a real risk.
If the property has anything other than direct public road frontage, confirm the legal access is registered, its terms, and that it supports your intended use before you commit. Read our Due Diligence guide for the framework, and have your lawyer or notary verify the access on title, because I treat legal access as a core due-diligence item on any rural parcel.
Important: This answer is general professional guidance for educational purposes and is not legal, tax, financial or regulatory advice. ALR rules, water licensing, zoning and farm-classification requirements can change and depend on your specific property. Always verify with the relevant BC authorities and qualified professionals before making decisions.
Gurjit Ghai, REALTOR®
Personal Real Estate Corporation
Brokerage: Rexara Realty Inc.
Gurjit Ghai is a BC real estate professional specializing in agricultural land, ALR properties, and farm operations across British Columbia. He helps buyers and sellers navigate water rights, soil capability, farm classification, and the unique due diligence that farmland transactions require.