Massachusetts Real Estate License Practice Test

What defines a fixture in real estate?

1. Personal property that can be easily moved

2. An object permanently attached to the property

3. Land that is not sellable

4. Items leased to a tenant

The correct answer is: An object permanently attached to the property

A fixture in real estate is defined as an object that is permanently attached to the property. This means that it has moved from being personal property to becoming part of the real estate. Fixtures are typically items that, once installed or attached, are meant to stay with the property, such as built-in appliances, lighting fixtures, or cabinets. The permanence of a fixture is key in distinguishing it from personal property, which is generally movable and not considered part of the real estate. For example, a dining room chandelier that is hardwired into the ceiling is a fixture, while a free-standing lamp is not. This definition is essential in many real estate transactions, as fixtures generally remain with the property when sold, whereas personal property does not. Other options relate to different concepts in real estate; personal property refers to movable items, unsellable land does not pertain to fixtures, and items leased to a tenant typically remain under the ownership of the landlord unless specified otherwise. Understanding what constitutes a fixture is important for buyers and sellers in real estate to avoid confusion over what is included in a property sale.