Which of the following describes "severance" in property terms?

Severance in property terms refers to the process of separating an item from land or improvements. This concept is crucial in real estate and property law, particularly when discussing fixtures and personal property. When severance occurs, something that was once considered a part of the real estate (such as trees, crops, or built structures) is detached or removed from the land. This action effectively transforms that item from real property, which is tied to the land, into personal property, which can be owned and transferred separately.

Understanding severance is important because it influences property rights and ownership status. For instance, if a homeowner decides to remove a fixture (like a chandelier or built-in shelving) before selling their home, that item no longer belongs to the property and instead becomes the homeowner's personal property, leading to potential disputes if not properly communicated in sales agreements.

The other choices focus on different aspects of property law, such as combining parcels (which is known as assemblage), transferring title (which pertains to the process of conveyance or transferring ownership), and establishing joint ownership (such as tenancy in common or joint tenancy). Each of these involves distinct legal principles and actions in property transactions.