Which term refers to items permanently attached to land that become part of the real property?

• A. Trade Fixtures
• B. Real Estate
• C. Fixtures
• D. Appurtenances

Answer: (C)

Fixtures are items permanently attached to land or buildings that become part of the real property. When something is physically fixed in place and intended to stay with the property, it typically transfers with the property under a sale or lease. This relies on a few ideas: physical annexation (the item is attached to the structure), adaptation for the property’s use (it’s customized for and suited to the space), and the intent of the person who installed it (the item is meant to remain with the property). Because fixtures pass with the property, they are included in the real estate transfer and usually noted in the contract. Trade fixtures are different: they’re installed by a tenant for business use and are generally removable at the end of the lease, so they remain personal property unless the lease or agreement says otherwise. Real estate describes the property as a whole, while appurtenances refer to rights or related improvements that run with the land but aren’t the fixed items themselves.