What does the term 'abutting' refer to in real estate?

The term 'abutting' in real estate specifically refers to properties that share a common boundary or property line. When two parcels of land are described as abutting, it means they are adjacent to each other and directly touch at some point along their boundaries. This concept is commonly encountered in discussions regarding land use, zoning, and property development where understanding the relationship between neighboring properties is crucial.

For example, if Parcel A and Parcel B are both mentioned as being abutting, it implies that they are next to each other without any intervening properties, which can have implications for easements, licenses, and even property rights. In various real estate transactions and legal contexts, the definition of how properties abut each other plays an essential role in determining ownership rights and land use permissions.