Accretion in Real Estate§
Definition§
Accretion is the process through which land gets added to a property due to natural forces. This phenomenon generally involves the gradual deposit of sand, soil, or other sediments carried by natural forces such as rivers, streams, or ocean currents. The additional land that forms through accretion belongs to the landowner whose property it attaches to.
Examples§
- Riverbank Expansion: A property bordered by a river may expand as sediments carried by the river current are deposited on the riverbanks, causing the property to extend outward over several years.
- Coastal Property Growth: A beachfront property may gain square footage over time as ocean currents deposit sand from other parts of the shoreline, contributing to a wider beach area in front of the property.
- Lakefront Properties: Sediments carried by streams flowing into a lake may settle and extend the property boundaries of lakeside homes.
Frequently Asked Questions§
What is the difference between accretion and alluvium?§
Both accretion and alluvium involve the natural deposit of sediments. Accretion refers to the process and the result of this natural deposition, which gradually expands the property. Alluvium, on the other hand, refers specifically to the sediments that are deposited.
Does accretion affect property taxes?§
Yes, when land is added to a property through accretion, it can influence property taxes by increasing the property size, which can subsequently raise its assessed value and tax liability.
Can a landowner lose property through natural processes, too?§
Yes, the converse of accretion is erosion, where properties can lose land due to natural forces such as wind, water, and other environmental changes. Erosion can reduce the size of the property over time.
Who owns the accreted land?§
Generally, the owner of the property onto which the land is accreted owns the additional land.
Related Terms§
- Alluvium: Deposited sediments, like sand and clay, carried by water or floods, often found in riverbeds and floodplains.
- Erosion: The process of gradually wearing away the land by wind, water, or other natural forces, usually resulting in property size reduction.
- Avulsion: A rapid change in land, such as from flooding or an earthquake, leading to an immediate and noticeable alteration in property boundaries.
Online Resources§
- Investopedia - Definition of Accretion
- National Park Service - Coastal and Shoreline Erosion
- USGS - Understanding River Behaviors
References§
- “The Law of Real Property” by Richard R. Powell
- “Real Estate Principles: A Value Approach” by David C. Ling and Wayne R. Archer
- “Principles of Real Estate Practice” by Stephen Mettling and David Cusic
Suggested Books for Further Studies§
- “Land Use and Society, Third Edition: Geography, Law, and Public Policy” by Rutherford H. Platt
- “Real Estate Development - 5th Edition: Principles and Process” by Mike E. Miles, Laurence M. Netherton, and Adrienne Schmitz
- “Law of Property Transactions” by Peter Sparkes
