What does the term 'alluvion' refer to in real estate?

The term 'alluvion' specifically refers to the process of new deposits of land formed by the gradual accumulation of material, such as soil and sediments, through the action of water. This natural phenomenon occurs alongside bodies of water when flowing water, like rivers or streams, deposits sediments in a manner that creates additional land area over time.

In real estate, understanding the concept of alluvion is important because it can impact property boundaries and land ownership. When land is formed through this process, the ownership of the new land typically belongs to the property owner of the adjacent land from which the alluvion has formed. This adds a layer of complexity to property rights and conveys the importance of recognizing natural changes in land due to waterways.

The other concepts mentioned—like the gradual receding of water, loss of land due to erosion, and legal tests for fixtures—do not pertain to the creation of new land through sediment deposition, thus clarifying the unique nature of alluvion within the realm of real estate terminology.