Real property or real estate is land and everything that is permanently attached or affixed to the land—buildings, fences, and those things attached to the buildings, such as light fixtures and plumbing and heating fixtures.
Real property includes the legal rights of ownership—such as the rights to possess, sell, use, lease, and enjoy the land. The terms real property and real estate are generally synonymous.
Land is generally defined as the earth’s surface, extending downward to the center of the earth and upward to infinity—including everything that is permanently attached by nature, such as trees and water. Land includes minerals below the earth’s surface and airspace above the land.
Real property is often classified and referenced according to its use as residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, or special purpose property. Real property is generally contrasted with personal property, which includes all movable, tangible things that are not real property.
In California, real property, also known as real estate, encompasses land and any permanent structures or attachments to that land, such as buildings, fences, and permanent fixtures. This definition extends to the rights associated with property ownership, which include the right to possess, sell, lease, use, and enjoy the property. The concept of land within real property covers not only the surface of the earth but also extends below ground to include mineral rights and above ground to airspace rights. Real property is categorized based on its use, such as residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, or special purpose. This categorization can affect zoning laws, taxation, and regulatory requirements. In contrast to real property, personal property refers to movable items that are not affixed to the land. California law provides specific regulations and statutes that govern the transfer, development, and use of real property, and these laws are enforced through both state statutes and local ordinances. Individuals seeking to engage in transactions involving real property or who have disputes concerning real property rights are advised to consult with an attorney who specializes in real estate law to navigate the complex legal landscape.