Real property is land and the things associated with it that are treated as part of the land. This lesson introduces the distinction between real and personal property and explains the historical origins of the term.
Real property, also called real estate, immovable property, or realty, generally consists of a parcel of land and associated structures that belong to someone. A structure is commonly treated as part of the real property when it is integrated with or affixed to the land. Such an addition may be called an improvement or a fixture.
All flashcards
What is real property?
Land and associated structures or items treated as part of the land, commonly because they are integrated with or affixed to it.
What is the difference between an actio in rem and an actio in personam?
An actio in rem concerns a thing or property right, while an actio in personam seeks relief based on the conduct of a particular person.
How did real property rules develop differently from personal property rules in medieval England?
Rules governing the transfer and inheritance of land developed along a different path from rules governing movable property; royal courts retained authority over land inheritance while church courts claimed broad authority over wills.
What is a remainder?
A future interest held by a designated third party after an earlier limited estate ends.
What is the Torrens title system?
A title system that treats registration as authoritative, reducing the need to trace a long chain of ownership documents.
Quiz questions
In the Public Land Survey System, what is the typical area of one section?Answer: One square mile.
An owner grants a life estate to one person and specifies that a niece will take the property afterward. What future interest does the niece hold?Answer: A remainder.
When a tenant in common dies, what generally happens to that tenant's share?Answer: It passes under the tenant's estate plan or inheritance rules.
Which principle limits an owner's use of land when that use unlawfully harms another person's rights?Answer: An owner may use land only without unlawfully injuring others' rights.
What is a central feature of the Torrens title system?Answer: Registration is treated as authoritative under the system's rules.
Based on the Wikipedia article Real property, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.