What does "surface rights" refer to in property ownership?

"Surface rights" in property ownership specifically refer to the rights granted to an individual or entity to use the land's surface. This encompasses the ability to build upon, cultivate, and otherwise utilize the land that is on the surface level. These rights are essential for property owners as they allow for the enjoyment and management of the property, facilitating activities such as agriculture, construction, and landscaping.

Understanding surface rights is crucial in real estate because they can sometimes be separated from other rights associated with the property, such as mineral rights or air rights. When someone holds surface rights, they may not automatically have rights to resources found beneath the ground or above the land, which can lead to complexities in property transactions. Therefore, the focus on the use of land's surface clearly defines why this answer is recognized as correct in the context of property ownership.