Definition of "Adjoining"

Gena Taylor real estate agent

Written by

Gena Taylorelite badge icon

Coldwell Banker FI Grey & Son Residential Inc.

Regarding the definition of the term adjoining, we see a term used most often to describe a particular position that objects, items, or properties have regarding each other. In the case of the term adjoining, that position is one of direct contact, attached, or contiguous. Strictly regarding the ordinary meaning of the word, adjoining describes closer proximity than adjacent as it requires a “joining” of objects, items, or properties. 

Adjoining in real estate

The term adjoining is also important in real estate lingo as it describes two buildings with a connecting boundary, a wall that they both share, a fence that connects the properties, and such. The term, however, is often used together with adjacent accompanied by a wide variety of environmental planning instruments as well as in development control plans. Something important to note is that when used together, they possibly refer to different concepts that determine the proximity of properties, buildings, and lots.

The term real estate adjoining can be used to describe abutting properties or adjoining properties as, in both instances, the two properties do not have any land or structure in between them. These properties can share a wall of the house, a fence in the backyard, or a line of trees that limits one property from the other. In any other way, the two properties are joined at one point or one line with nothing else separating them. Examples would be duplexes and townhouses. The concept is debated when issues of cadastral mapping come into question for buyers that are interested in lots that are devoid of any structures in order to have exact measurements of where one lot ends and the other begins.


Adjoining owners are the legal owners of adjoining properties that share a common structure at their border. Other terms that can be used instead of adjoining in real estate are abutting, neighboring, connected, or attached. Adjacent is close but not quite as directly connected as adjoining is and should not be used as a synonym.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

Clause in an open-ended mortgage permitting the mortgagor to borrow additional sums of money in the future pledging than same real property collateral. A construction loan has a future ...

Name given by the Realtors National Marketing Institute which is affiliated with the National Association of Realtors. ...

Something coming before. Examples are the year before, first lien on property, and previous owner of property. ...

Originally strips of wood approximately 1 to 1 1/2 inch wide, 1/4 to 3/8 inch thick by approximately 4 ft. long which were nailed across the wall studs for the purpose of supporting ...

Agreement in which the contract price to build something is equal to the total costs incurred plus a predetermined profit. The profit may be based on a percentage of cost (e.g., 20% of ...

Contractual provision describing the terms under which coverage may be terminated. An insured or insurer may cancel a policy before its expiration date. Generally, a written notice of ...

In conducting a real estate transaction, each party is presumed honest and fair with no deceit. The intentions are honorable and realistic. If deception occurs without prior knowledge, the ...

Giving another an immediate benefit. Example are an employee in a real estate company receiving pension or health care benefits after five years of employment, and passing title to ...

Business organized as a distinct legal entity with ownership evidenced by shares of stock. To form a corporation, "articles of incorporation" must be filed with the state. When approved, ...

Popular Real Estate Questions