A claim against a particular piece of property, rather than against an individual’s general assets, characterizes this type of financial encumbrance. For example, a mortgage is a prime example; the lender has a claim solely on the property secured by the mortgage. If the borrower defaults, the lender can foreclose on the property, but cannot seize other assets not specifically pledged as collateral.
Understanding this distinction is important in property transactions. It offers a level of security to the lienholder, as the claim is tied to a tangible asset. This also impacts the property owner, as the title is encumbered until the debt is satisfied. Historically, these arrangements provided a way to finance improvements or acquisitions of property, ensuring the creditor had a direct path to recovering their investment if necessary.