Kovats Real Estate School Practice Test

What is the term for additional land acquired through natural causes?

1. Accretion

2. Appurtenances

3. Accession

4. Reliction

The correct answer is: Accession

The term that describes additional land acquired through natural causes is known as "accretion." This process refers specifically to the gradual increase of land due to the deposit of soil by natural forces such as water flow. As soil builds up over time along a riverbank or shoreline, the landowner's property can expand, leading to the acquisition of more land. "Accretion" is important in real estate because it affects land ownership and rights associated with property boundaries. Knowing this concept helps landowners understand how their property can change due to natural events, potentially impacting property lines and value. The other terms provided, while related to property and land, do not accurately describe the process of acquiring land through natural causes. "Appurtenances" refers to rights or privileges that accompany property ownership but do not involve land acquisition. "Accession" is a broader legal term that refers to the addition of value to property, whether through natural means or through improvements made by the owner. "Reliction" refers specifically to the increase of land due to the receding of water, and while it is a related concept, it is more narrowly defined than what occurs through the general process of "accretion."