What do surface rights pertain to in real estate?

Surface rights in real estate pertain to the ownership of the land and any improvements made to it. This includes not just the land itself but also structures, buildings, and any other developments that are affixed to the land's surface. Essentially, when someone holds surface rights, they have the legal authority to use and occupy the land for residential, commercial, recreational, or other purposes, as agreed upon within the context of local laws and regulations.

Ownership of minerals beneath the land is related to subsurface rights, which is a different category altogether. Exclusivity to air space above the land pertains to air rights, which again is a distinct legal concept. Temporary leases of land refer to a rental agreement and do not address the ownership aspect of surface rights. The concept of surface rights is foundational in understanding real estate law, as it defines the parameters of what landowners can do with their property and what legal entitlements they possess.