Easements are successful preservation tools that help protect a historic property by safeguarding its historic character, materials, and significance. A legal agreement between the owner of a historic property and Historic Charleston Foundation, a preservation easement establishes perpetual protection for the property.

In addition to preventing inappropriate changes from being made to a historic property, easements also can offer a considerable tax advantage for the donor. Easement donors make a gift to current and future generations when they voluntarily place perpetual restrictions on their historic property. Today, we hold more than 400 easements throughout Charleston and the Lowcountry.