Fixture
Personal property that has been permanently attached to real estate and is therefore considered part of the property. Once installed, fixtures typically transfer with the property when sold unless specifically excluded in the purchase agreement.
Example
“The ornate chandelier was considered a fixture and remained with the house when it sold.”
Memory Tip
If you need tools to remove it, it's probably "fixed" to the house as a fixture.
Why It Matters
Understanding what constitutes a fixture prevents disputes during property transfers and helps buyers know exactly what they're getting with their purchase.
Common Misconception
Buyers often assume expensive or custom items like chandeliers or built-in appliances automatically stay, but sellers can exclude specific fixtures in the contract.
In Practice
Built-in dishwashers, ceiling fans, and permanently installed shelving systems are typically considered fixtures and convey with the home, while the seller's antique chandelier might be specifically excluded from the sale.
Etymology
From Latin "figere" meaning "to fasten," fixtures are items so firmly attached they become part of the property's fabric.
Common Misspellings
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