What is personal property that has been permanently affixed to the land or building called?

The term for personal property that has been permanently affixed to the land or a building is referred to as a fixture. In real estate, fixtures are items that were once personal property but, due to their attachment to the land or structure, are treated as part of the real property. This classification is crucial because it affects ownership and what is included in a property sale.

For example, if a seller installs a built-in bookshelf or a light fixture, these items become fixtures and are usually considered part of the property being sold. Understanding this concept is key for those involved in real estate transactions, as it helps define what the buyer receives with the property.

The other terms listed have different definitions that do not apply to the scenario provided. Trade fixtures are a specific type of fixture used in a business setting, improvements generally refer to enhancements that increase value but can include various types of upgrades which may not always be permanently affixed, and additions typically refer to structures that increase the perimeter of a building rather than components integrated into it. Thus, understanding the concept of a fixture clarifies what becomes part of the real property in legal terms.