property
severalty
Ownership of real property by one person or one legal entity alone, with no co-owners. The word comes from the idea that the owner's interest is severed from others, not from several owners. A corporation or LLC that holds title is also owning in severalty. The sole owner can sell, mortgage, or leave the property by will without anyone else's consent, subject to any state spousal rights.
- Exam tip
- Severalty means sole ownership, the opposite of what the word sounds like. This is a classic trick question.
- Example
- A single investor buys a duplex in her own name only; she holds title in severalty.
Related terms & state variants
Sources
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Last verified: 2026-10-23