The term used for converting a fixture back into personal property is what?

The correct answer is severance. In real estate, a fixture is typically considered real property because it is affixed to the land or a building. However, when a fixture is removed from the property, it becomes personal property again. This process of detaching the fixture from the property is known as severance.

Severance is specifically the act of separating a fixture from the real estate, thereby converting it back into personal property. This can occur for various reasons, such as a homeowner deciding to take their chandelier with them when they sell their house.

The other terms listed have distinct meanings within the realm of real estate. Accession refers to the process of adding value to property through the addition of fixtures or improvements—the opposite of severance. Conversion typically refers to a change in the use or classification of property, while attachment pertains to the act of physically affixing something to the property so that it becomes a fixture. Understanding these terms helps clarify the legal implications surrounding property rights and ownership.