A servitut is a registered legal right or restriction attached to a property — and it runs with the land when it’s sold. It may, for example, prohibit you from building above a certain height, require you to maintain a hedge, or give a neighbour the right to cross your land.
Why does it matter to you?
Easements can have a significant practical impact on what you’re allowed to do with your property. Many homeowners are unaware of the easements on their plot — and only discover them when they want to build, plant or make changes.
Common easements in Denmark:
- Building line requirements: Prohibition on building closer than a set distance from the road boundary
- Height restrictions: Prohibition on building above a certain height (e.g. near airports)
- Conservation easement: Obligation to preserve certain trees, hedges or building elements
- Right of way: A neighbour has the right to cross your land (e.g. to access a forest)
- Utility easement: The municipality or utility company has laid cables or pipes on your land
How to find your easements
All registered easements appear in the Danish Land Register at tinglysning.dk — free and publicly accessible. Search by your property’s matrikel number.
Note: Not all historical easements have been digitised. Older easements may exist in the municipality’s building archive as handwritten documents.
Frequently asked questions
Can an easement be removed?
Yes, but it requires agreement from the party who holds the right — typically a neighbour, the municipality or a residents’ association. Removal is registered at the Land Registration Court (Tinglysningsretten).
Do easements apply even if I bought the property in good faith?
Yes. Registered easements are publicly accessible and are considered known to the buyer. It is your responsibility to investigate easements before purchase.
What’s the difference between an easement and a development plan?
A development plan (lokalplan) is a municipal planning document that can be amended by the municipality. An easement is a private legal agreement registered on the property — it cannot be unilaterally changed by the municipality, but requires the consent of all parties.