Which right allows a property owner to use or sell the underground resources, such as natural gas and minerals?

The correct answer is sub-surface rights. These rights refer specifically to the ownership and control of the resources located beneath the surface of a property, including valuable materials such as natural gas, oil, minerals, and other underground resources. When a property owner holds sub-surface rights, they have the authority to extract, use, or sell those resources as they see fit, which can be a significant economic benefit.

Sub-surface rights are distinct from surface rights, which are concerned with the ownership and use of the land above ground, including buildings, landscaping, and other structures. Air rights pertain to the space above the property, and water rights involve the ownership or usage of water resources, whether they are above or below ground. Understanding these distinctions is critical in real estate and appraisal practices, particularly when assessing the value of a property based on the various rights associated with it.