property
accession
Accession is the acquisition of title to additional property through something being added to the land an owner already holds. It can happen naturally, as when soil builds up along a riverbank (accretion), or through human action, as when someone attaches items to the land that become fixtures. The owner of the land generally gains ownership of whatever is added. Accession is a form of involuntary or natural acquisition rather than a purchase.
- Exam tip
- Accession is the umbrella term; accretion is one type. Watch for questions mixing up accretion (gain), erosion (gradual loss), and avulsion (sudden loss).
- Example
- Over 20 years a river slowly deposits silt along a farmer's shoreline, adding half an acre. The farmer acquires that new land by accession.
Related terms & state variants
Sources
Source verification pending. Confirm current requirements with your state regulator.
Last verified: 2026-10-23