Restrictive covenant
A restrictive covenant, is a restriction imposed by a seller of a piece of land that prevents the buyer from using it in a way that could cause harm to land the seller has retained.
Restrictive covenants might:
- Prevent buildings or structures being erected on the land.
- Prevent use of the land for business activity.
- Prevent residential development on the land.
For a restrictive covenant to be enforceable the land benefiting from the restriction must be identified, and the benefit must have passed to the person trying to enforce it.
Restrictive covenants may have an expiry date, and may in practice turn out to be unenforceable.
In certain circumstances, where the restriction may have become inappropriate, the the Lands Tribunal (now the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber)) may have the power to modify or discharge it.
For an example case, see Modifying a restrictive covenant.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Burdens.
- Deed of easement.
- Derogation from grant.
- Easements.
- Encumbrances.
- Land register.
- Leasehold covenants.
- Liens.
- Modifying a restrictive covenant.
- Overage.
- Rights over land.
- Right to light.
- Right to a view.
- Rights of way.
- Servient estate.
- Wayleave.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Guide to ISO 19650 for Architecture Firms (2026)
A user gives their low down.
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.