An article of personal property that is permanently attached and becomes part of the real estate is known as what?

The correct answer is fixture. A fixture refers to personal property that has been permanently affixed to real estate, making it an integral part of that property. When an item is classified as a fixture, it means that it is no longer considered separate personal property but is instead treated as part of the real estate. This can include things like built-in appliances, light fixtures, or any other items that have been attached in such a way that their removal would damage the property or significantly alter its nature.

When trading or transferring property rights, it's important to identify fixtures because they are often included in the sale of real estate, while personal property that is not attached would not be considered part of the transaction unless explicitly stated. This distinction helps to clarify what is included in the sale and what remains as personal property of the seller.

Understanding fixtures is essential for real estate transactions, as it relates to ownership rights and responsibilities, emphasizing why this term is significant in real estate law and practice.