In property law, this term refers to the acquisition of ownership to improvements or additions to real property. This can occur naturally, such as through the gradual accumulation of soil on land bordering a river (alluvion), or artificially, through the attachment of fixtures to the property. For example, a landowner who builds a house on their existing land gains ownership of the structure through this legal principle.
This principle is important because it clarifies property rights and responsibilities when improvements are made. It avoids disputes over ownership of additions by automatically vesting title in the landowner. Historically, this concept has ensured that those who invest in improving property benefit from that investment, thereby incentivizing property development and maintenance.
