What is the primary characteristic of a dominant estate?

The primary characteristic of a dominant estate is that it benefits from an easement. In real estate terminology, the dominant estate is the property that receives a benefit from an easement, which allows the owner to use the land of another property, known as the servient estate, for a specific purpose. This usage could be for access, drainage, or utility placement, among others.

By granting the right to use part of the servient estate, the dominant estate gains an advantage that can enhance its value or usability. For instance, if a lot needs access to a road through a neighbor's property, the lot is the dominant estate, while the neighbor’s property, which is burdened by the easement, is the servient estate. Hence, understanding the roles of dominant and servient estates is crucial in real estate as it affects property rights and usage.