What do air rights allow a landowner to do?

Air rights refer to the legal ability of a landowner to use and control the space above their property. This means that a property owner has the right to extend their ownership vertically into the airspace above their land. In urban areas, this can be particularly significant, as landowners might seek to construct buildings that reach higher elevations or develop structures that utilize airspace for various purposes, such as adding additional floors or incorporating rooftop gardens.

This concept is essential in real estate, especially in densely populated cities where vertical construction is a common practice. By possessing air rights, a landowner can maximize the potential of their property without the need for further land acquisition. The ability to transfer or lease these rights can also lead to substantial financial opportunities, especially when negotiating with developers looking to build taller properties.

The other choices do not accurately represent the function of air rights. Modifying the land's surface without restrictions pertains more to land use or zoning regulations rather than air rights. Transferring ownership of underground resources pertains to mineral rights, while altering property boundaries with neighboring land relates to easements or property division rather than airspace rights.