What Is Real Estate?

Real estate is defined as the land and any permanent structures, like a home, or improvements attached to the land, whether natural or man-made.

Real estate is a form of real property. It differs from personal property, which is not permanently attached to the land, such as vehicles, boats, jewelry, furniture, and farm equipment.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Real estate is considered real property that includes land and anything permanently attached to it or built on it, whether natural or man-made.
• There are five main categories of real estate which include residential, commercial, industrial, raw land, and special use.
• Investing in real estate includes purchasing a home, rental property, or land.
• Indirect investment in real estate can be made via REITs or through pooled real estate investment.