What Is a Front Foot in Real Estate?

Defining Front Footage

Property measurements are fundamental in real estate, providing clarity on a parcel’s dimensions and characteristics. Understanding these measurements is important for buyers, sellers, and developers to accurately assess a property’s potential and value. Among the various terms used, “front foot” is a key concept that describes a specific linear dimension of a property. This measurement helps evaluate a property’s accessibility and utility.

A “front foot” in real estate refers to a linear foot of property that borders a street, road, or other public access way. This measurement is distinct from square footage, which represents the total area, or acreage, which is a larger measure of land area. Frontage describes the boundary line of a property that directly faces a public thoroughfare. It is a one-dimensional measurement, focusing on the width of the property along its access point.

Determining Frontage

Measuring a property’s frontage involves its primary boundary line abutting a public street, road, or designated access point. This measurement is important for understanding how much of the property is exposed to public view and access. Professional land surveyors determine these measurements, which are recorded in official property deeds and plats. These documents legally define the property’s boundaries, including its linear frontage.

Frontage is measured in linear feet along the boundary providing direct access to a public way. For properties with multiple access points, such as corner lots, the primary frontage is usually considered the side facing the most significant street or the one designated as the main access by local zoning regulations. These regulations often define how frontage is calculated and used for development.

The Role of Frontage in Valuation

Frontage plays a role in determining a property’s market value, especially for commercial properties or undeveloped land. A property with greater frontage often commands a higher price per square foot or acre due to enhanced accessibility and visibility. This increased linear access allows for more potential entry and exit points, valuable for businesses seeking customer traffic or for developers planning multiple access driveways.

For commercial ventures, ample frontage means better exposure to passing traffic, boosting business visibility and customer acquisition. It also influences utility connections, such as water, sewer, and electricity, potentially reducing development costs. Properties with limited frontage, even if they have substantial acreage, may face challenges in development or require easements for access, reducing their market value. Conversely, a property with extensive frontage, even on a smaller lot, can be highly desirable for its direct street presence and ease of access.

Common Scenarios and Considerations

Properties present various frontage scenarios influencing their utility and valuation. Corner lots, for instance, possess multiple frontages, bordering two or more streets, which often increases their value due to enhanced visibility and access. Similarly, properties with both street and water frontage offer unique development opportunities and command higher prices due to their dual access points and scenic appeal.

Irregular lot shapes also impact how frontage is determined. Narrow lots with deep setbacks, or “flag lots” where a thin strip of land connects the main property to the street, may have limited direct frontage. In such cases, the effective access and visibility might be constrained despite the property’s overall size. Local zoning ordinances and property easements further influence how frontage is defined, regulated, and used. These regulations might dictate minimum frontage requirements for building permits or specify how access points can be configured, directly affecting a property’s development potential and market viability.