Categories of Real Property

Real property is divided into several categories, depending on its use. Some categories of real property include residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, recreational or governmental property.  

Residential property contains a structure that is used for living, such as a house, apartment, or townhouse. Residential structures can be multi-unit and include a number of apartments owned or rented by different people in different forms of ownership or use: lease rental, condominium or co-operative.  

Commercial property consists of buildings and lots that are designed for use by businesses, rather than as living spaces. Commercial property usually includes things like restaurants, retail stores and shopping centers. Industrial property is property that is used for things like factories and other production or storage facilities.  

Agricultural property is usually rural property where farming is done, such as growing crops or raising livestock.

Recreational property is either government-owned parks or preserves that are for the public use, or privately-owned land, sometimes second homes or vacation homes, used for outdoor entertainment such as skiing, biking, or boating.  There is also special use property, typically municipal property owned by the government, such as land used for government offices, military bases, public schools, prisons, post offices, etc.

Legal Editors: Terrence Dunn and Ira H. Goldfarb, July 2017


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