Real estate is a term that refers to the physical land, structures, and resources attached to it. Real property includes the physical property of the real estate, but it expands its definition to include a bundle of ownership and usage rights.

Property is any tangible or intangible item that a person or a business has legal title over while real estate is a property involving land and the buildings on it, along with its natural resources like trees, minerals and water.

In summary, while real estate refers to physical properties and structures, real property encompasses the legal rights and interests associated with ownership.

The terms real estate and real property are used interchangeably, but real property is actually a broader term. Real estate is defined as land and everything attached to it. Real property extends to the interests, benefits, and rights inherent in the ownership of real estate.

Key differences between real estate vs. real property The critical differences between real estate vs. real property often boil down to the legalities of use, property transfer, and occupation. Real property focuses on the physical attributes of the property and adds the rights that come with ownership of such property.