What is a fixture in a house?

A fixture in a house is an item of equipment or furnishing that is permanently attached to the home's structure or connected to its utility systems, so that it is legally considered part of the real property rather than a movable possession. House fixtures become part of the property through plumbing, wiring, bolting, screwing, cementing, or building in, and the law identifies them using three tests: physical annexation, adaptation to the property's use, and intention of permanence. Typical examples include bathroom plumbing fixtures such as toilets, washbasins, bathtubs, showers, and faucets; kitchen fixtures such as sinks, built-in cabinets, countertops, range hoods, and plumbed dishwashers; lighting fixtures such as ceiling lights, chandeliers, sconces, and recessed downlights; heating fixtures such as radiators, boilers, and water heaters; and other fixtures such as built-in wardrobes, fitted shelving, hardwired smoke detectors, doorbells, ceiling fans, fireplace mantels, and stair railings. The distinction matters when a house is sold: fixtures automatically transfer to the buyer, while movable items such as freestanding furniture, curtains, and plug-in appliances belong to the seller unless the contract provides otherwise. Purchase agreements typically include a fixtures list or fixtures and fittings schedule to prevent disputes. House fixtures are also central to home value: they provide the home's core functions of hygiene, food preparation, warmth, light, and storage, and renovating them, particularly kitchens and bathrooms, is among the most effective ways homeowners increase their property's worth and appeal.