What is the primary characteristic of personal property?

The primary characteristic of personal property is that it is movable and not fixed to a location. This definition distinguishes personal property from real property, which includes land and anything permanently affixed to it, like buildings and structures. Personal property encompasses a wide range of movable items, including furniture, vehicles, equipment, and other tangible goods. The mobility aspect is crucial because it defines how personal property can be owned, transferred, or used in various locations without the constraints tied to real estate.

While other options present characteristics of different property types, they do not accurately describe personal property. For example, being permanently attached to the land refers to real property, and requiring commercial use pertains to a specific context rather than a general property characteristic. Similarly, associating personal property solely with residential use ignores the diverse applications personal property can have across both residential and commercial contexts. Therefore, identifying personal property primarily as movable and not locally fixed helps clarify its scope and function in property assessment and taxation contexts.