In real estate, what does the term 'prescription' refer to?

In real estate, the term "prescription" refers specifically to the ability to claim ownership of a property or an easement through prolonged usage. This legal concept is known as "adverse possession" when it relates to land ownership, where a person may gain legal title to property by occupying it for a specified period without the permission of the original owner. The key elements typically required for this claim include open and notorious use, continuous possession, and the exclusion of the legal owner's rights during that time.

Understanding this concept is crucial in real estate because it emphasizes the importance of active and uninterrupted use of property. If a person uses a property as if they own it, while meeting the statutory requirements over time, they may be able to secure legal rights to that property, potentially leading to disputes between parties over ownership.

The other options, while related to property and real estate activities, do not adequately capture the essence of "prescription." For instance, the legal processes for transferring property ownership or creating easements relate to formal transactions and agreements rather than the claim of ownership through use. Similarly, temporary licenses pertain to permissions granted for specific uses of property and do not imply ownership rights acquired through continuous use.