If you live in Texas, owning land might mean more than meets the eye. Below your feet could be oil, gas, or other minerals, and in Texas, those can be separate from the surface rights.
Understanding how mineral rights work in Texas can feel overwhelming. But in this guide, we’ll break it down using simple examples, real landowner stories, and expert advice from the folks at Paint Rock Royalty.
This isn’t just about contracts and court terms. It’s about families making choices, neighbors dealing with sudden offers, and how Texas mineral rights laws affect real lives.
What Are Mineral Rights?
Mineral rights are the legal rights to explore, extract, and sell underground resources like oil, natural gas, or even helium. These can be severed (split) from the land you walk on.
For example:
Sarah from Manor, TX, inherited 40 acres. She thought she owned it all. Turns out her uncle sold the mineral rights in the 90s. When a company started drilling nearby, she had no say.
That’s why knowing who owns what, and how, is crucial.
Understanding Texas Mineral Rights Laws
Texas mineral rights laws are unique compared to other states:
Mineral estate dominates. If the mineral and surface rights are split, the mineral owner can still access the land to extract resources.
Leasing is common. Most landowners don’t sell minerals but lease them out to companies for a bonus and future royalties.
Royalties: These are paid monthly or quarterly based on oil or gas produced. Typically, it’s around 20% to 25% of the revenue.
Types of Mineral Rights Ownership
Type of Ownership | What It Means |
Fee Simple | You own the land and minerals |
Surface Owner Only | Someone else owns the minerals |
Mineral Owner Only | You own only what’s underground |
Leased Mineral Owner | You’ve signed a lease with an oil or gas company |
How Development Increases Land Value and Triggers Offers
Here’s what’s happening around Austin and surrounding counties:
- Infrastructure booms: new roads, utilities, and commercial zoning
- Developers want clean titles and clear rights
- Royalty companies are offering fast cash for mineral rights
One landowner in Hutto said:
“Out of nowhere, Paint Rock Royalty called and said they could make an offer in 24 hours. I thought it was a scam at first, but they walked me through everything.”
That’s where reputation matters. Paint Rock Royalty gets praise for responsiveness and honesty, important when large sums of money are on the line.
Selling vs Leasing Mineral Rights in Texas
Selling
- One-time payment
- You give up all future royalties
- Great for cash needs or estate planning
Leasing
- Keep ownership
- Receive lease bonus (upfront money)
- Ongoing royalties if production happens
Most folks in Central Texas choose to lease first. If the company doesn’t drill, you keep your land and try again later
The Process: Buying and Selling Mineral Rights in Texas
Here’s how it typically goes with a reputable buyer like Paint Rock Royalty:
- You contact or receive an offer
- They run a title check
- You get a detailed quote
- You sign paperwork
- Funds are wired to your bank
If you’re curious about offers or evaluations, get in touch with Paint Rock Royalty for a free, no-pressure consultation.
Why This Matters for Austin & Nearby Communities
Cities like Bastrop, Leander, Liberty Hill, and San Marcos are expanding fast. With more homes and businesses comes more interest in the resources below.
If you’re a landowner, you might get:
Offers from royalty companies
Notices of pooling or drilling
Requests to sign surface agreements
Understanding your rights now can save future headaches.
Paint Rock Royalty: What Real People Are Saying
“No pressure. Just facts.”
“They walked me through title history I didn’t even know existed.”
“I was scared to ask dumb questions. They made it easy.”
Our team at Paint Rock Royalty isn’t just about closing deals. They’re about clarity, especially for first-time mineral owners who feel overwhelmed.
Get Clear, Stay Confident
If you’re in Texas, you don’t need to become an expert in mineral law. But you do need to understand your rights before signing anything.
Companies might show up with contracts, fast money, or promises. What you need is clarity.
That’s where Paint Rock Royalty shines. Whether it’s answering your calls at dinner time or walking you through the 4th revision of your lease, people say we care.
Ready to take the next step?
Contact us now.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I own mineral rights?
Check your deed or run a title report. If you inherited land, mineral rights may or may not have transferred.
Do mineral rights expire?
Not unless specified in a contract. Leases expire, but ownership is forever unless sold.
Can I stop someone from drilling on my land?
Only if you own both surface and mineral rights. If they’re severed, the mineral owner (or lessee) has access rights.
How are royalties paid?
Based on the revenue from extracted oil/gas. Payments come monthly or quarterly.
Is it better to lease or sell?
It depends. Selling gives immediate cash. Leasing offers potential future income. Some landowners do both, sell a portion and lease the rest.
