Property guide
Property easements in Denmark
(servitut) explained
Denne side er også tilgængelig på dansk: Servitut i tinglysning →
Common types of easements
Right of way
A neighbour or utility company has the right to cross your land.
Building restrictions
Limits on height, footprint, or placement of buildings.
Fence and hedge rules
Restrictions on type, height, or placement of fences.
Usage restrictions
Prohibits commercial use, certain types of construction, or specific activities.
Utility easements
Cables, pipes or drainage infrastructure runs under or across the land.
View and light
Protects a neighbour's view or access to natural light.
How to check for easements
Look up the property in the land register at tinglysning.dk. All registered easements are listed with the date, type, and right-holder. It is free and open to the public. Always do this before making an offer — estate agent listing descriptions often omit easements.
Can an easement be removed?
Sometimes — there are three routes:
- Mutual consent: The right-holder agrees to release the easement. Requires a formal deregistration via tinglysning.dk.
- Municipal local plan: If the easement conflicts with a current local plan (lokalplan), the municipality can have it removed.
- Court challenge: Old easements that are no longer relevant, have never been enforced, or have become unreasonable can sometimes be challenged through the courts. This is slow and expensive.
Easement vs. mortgage — what is the difference?
- Mortgage (panteret): A financial encumbrance — debt secured against the property. Can be paid off and removed. How deed and mortgage registration works →
- Easement (servitut): A usage restriction or right. Cannot be "paid off" — it requires the right-holder's consent or a court order to remove.
Both are registered in tingbogen and both follow the property on sale.
Understand your tinglysning document
Upload your land register extract to Elify. We explain all easements, mortgages and encumbrances in plain English.
Analyse my document free →Frequently asked questions
What is a servitut?
A registered restriction or right attached to a property — how the land can be used. It follows the property and binds all future owners.
How do I check for easements?
Look up the property at tinglysning.dk. All registered easements are listed free of charge. Always do this before making an offer.
Can a servitut be removed?
Sometimes — by mutual consent with the right-holder, via a conflicting local plan, or through court challenge for outdated easements. It is not always possible.
What is the difference between a servitut and a panteret?
A panteret is financial debt secured on the property — it can be paid off. A servitut is a usage restriction — it requires the right-holder's consent or a court order to remove.
Does an easement reduce property value?
Depends on the type. A buried cable may have no practical impact. A right-of-way through your garden is more significant. Always read the full registered document, not just the summary.