What is the term for personal property that has become permanently attached to real estate?

The term for personal property that has become permanently attached to real estate is "fixture." A fixture is considered personal property that, once affixed to the land or a building, assumes the status of real property. This conversion happens because the item is not only physically attached to the property but also typically intended to remain there, thus becoming an integral part of the real estate itself.

For clarity, personal property includes items that are movable, such as furniture or vehicles, which do not have a permanent connection to the land or structures. When an item like a chandelier is installed or a built-in bookcase is added, these items are usually regarded as fixtures. The legal implications of fixtures are significant, particularly during transactions involving real estate, as fixtures are typically included in the sale of the property.

The other terms do not relate to this concept: a leasehold refers to a tenant's rights to occupy and use property for a specified term; an easement is a legal right to use another's land for a specific purpose; and encroachment involves a situation where one property intrudes upon another, which does not relate to the permanence of attachment to real estate. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the role fixtures play in real estate law and property transactions.