What do we call a personal property item that has become a part of the real property?

A personal property item that has become a part of the real property is referred to as a fixture. Fixtures are items that were once considered personal property but have been attached or integrated into the real estate in such a manner that they are now considered part of the property itself. This can occur through methods of attachment or through the intention of the owner to make the item a permanent part of the real estate.

For example, a light fixture that is permanently wired into a ceiling would typically be classified as a fixture because it is attached in a way that makes it an integral part of the home. Legal definitions often emphasize the concepts of annexation (attachment to the property), adaptation (the item fits or is used for the property’s function), and the intent of the property owner to regard the item as a permanent part of the property.

Other choices, like chattel, refer to personal property items that are movable and not affixed to the land, failing to meet the criteria of becoming part of the real property. Similarly, real estate specifically pertains to land and anything permanently attached to it, while personal property remains as movable items not permanently attached. Thus, the unique status of a fixture is what distinguishes it in this context.