What is the difference between real property and personal property?

• A. Real property refers to land and buildings; personal property is movable or intangible assets.
• B. Real property is movable or intangible assets; personal property is land and buildings.
• C. Real property includes digital assets only; personal property includes tangible assets.
• D. Real property is owned by corporations; personal property is owned by individuals.

Answer: (A)

The difference being tested is what kinds of assets are considered real property versus personal property. Real property includes land and anything permanently attached to it, such as buildings and fixtures. Personal property covers items that can be moved or are intangible, like furniture, cars, and intangible rights such as patents or copyrights. This distinction matters because real property transfers typically involve deeds and have different tax and financing implications than personal property transfers, which are handled more like title or bill of sale. The option describing real property as land and buildings and personal property as movable or intangible assets captures this distinction correctly, while the other choices mix up what qualifies as real versus personal property. Ownership by corporations versus individuals does not determine whether an asset is real or personal property.