property

annexation

Annexation is the process by which personal property becomes real property by being attached to land or a building. Once annexed, the item is treated as a fixture and normally transfers with the real estate. Courts look at the method of attachment, adaptation to the property, and the intention of the person who attached it. The reverse process, removing a fixture so it becomes personal property again, is called severance.

Exam tip
Know the pair: annexation turns personal property into real property; severance turns real property into personal property. Intent is usually the most important fixture test.
Example
A homeowner buys a ceiling fan (personal property) and wires it into the ceiling. By annexation it becomes a fixture that stays with the house when sold.

Related terms & state variants

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Last verified: 2026-10-23