What type of rights extend to the water's edge on navigable water?

Littoral rights pertain specifically to properties that are adjacent to large bodies of water, such as oceans, seas, or lakes. These rights allow the property owner to access and enjoy the water’s edge. Littoral rights extend to the water's edge and often include the right to use the water for various purposes, such as recreation, fishing, and boating, as long as these activities don't interfere with public use or navigation.

This distinction is particularly important as it sets littoral rights apart from riparian rights, which are associated with properties adjacent to smaller, flowing bodies of water like rivers and streams. While both rights recognize the landowner's relationship to water, they apply to different types of water features, highlighting the unique legal frameworks governing properties near navigable waters versus those near inland waters.

Understanding the various rights associated with different water types is essential for real estate professionals, as it informs them about property values, usage rights, and potential restrictions that exist in waterfront property transactions.