Personal Property

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Personal Property'

A type of property which, in its most general definition, can include any asset other than real estate. The distinguishing factor between personal property and real estate is that personal property is movable. That is, the asset is not fixed permanently to one location as with real property such as land or buildings. Examples of personal property include vehicles, furniture, boats, collectibles, etc.

Also known as "movable property", "movables" and "chattels".
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Personal Property'

It's tough to have a precise definition for "personal property" as it is very much a legal term. The concept is perhaps best understood with a comparision to real property. Under common law systems it is possible to place a mortgage upon real property. Because the lender has rights to the property it makes the extension of credit relatively safe and easy. After all, it's tough to flee the country with your house. On the other hand, it's tougher for a creditor to secure personal property. While common law systems do allow liens to be placed on personal property (such as vehicles) to protect the rights of creditors, there is obviously much more risk that the debtor simply drives away with the collateral if fleeing the country.

Related Definitions

  • Accelerated Cost Recovery System - ACRS

    A system of depreciation introduced by the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981. ACRS depreciation is based on recovery periods instead of useful life. These periods were predetermined by ...
    Read More »
  • Assessed Value

    The dollar value assigned to a property for purposes of measuring applicable taxes. Assessed valuation is used to determine the value of a residence for tax purposes and takes comparable ...
    Read More »
  • Land

    Property or real estate, not including buildings or equipment, that does not occur naturally. Depending on the title, land ownership may also give the holder the rights to all natural ...
    Read More »
    • Common Law Property

      A system used by most states to determine ownership of property acquired during marriage. In contrast to the community property system, the common law property system states that ...
      Read More »
    • Patent

      A government license that gives the holder exclusive rights to a process, design or new invention for a designated period of time. Allpications for patents are usually handled by a ...
      Read More »
    • Personal Use Property

      A type of property that an individual does not use for business purposes or hold as an investment. In other words, property that an individual owns for personal enjoyment.
      Read More »
    • Property Rights

      Laws created by governments in regards to how individuals can control, benefit from and transfer property. Economic theory contends that government enforcement of strong property rights ...
      Read More »
    • Tenancy In Common

      A way for two or more people to have equal ownership interests in a property. Each owner has the right to leave his or her share of the property to any beneficiary upon the owner's ...
      Read More »
    • Fair And Accurate Credit Transactions Act - FACTA

      A U.S. resolution passed in 2003 that is aimed at enhancing protection measures for identity theft by creating standards for the handling of credit card numbers. This act allows ...
      Read More »
    • Reassessment

      The process of redetermining the value of a parcel of real estate for property tax purposes. A reassessment is done to determine the property tax bills. Property bills are based on both ...
      Read More »

Articles Of Interest

Partner Links