Real property refers to land and the improvements, buildings and machinery, which are permanently attached to land.  Real property includes land and buildings, and anything affixed to the land.  This means and includes whatever is beneath the surface of the land, like minerals, natural gas, and oil, rights to the use of property.  Leasehold improvements also form part of real property since they cannot be removed from the property.

Real property is different from personal property, which is the property owned by a business or individual, including equipment, furniture and fixtures.  US law on real property is based on common law.  Each U.S. State except Louisiana has its own laws governing real property.