Which term describes a situation where a portion of land illegally extends onto another property?

The term that describes a situation where a portion of land illegally extends onto another property is encroachment. This occurs when a structure, such as a building or fence, goes beyond the legal boundary lines established between two properties. Encroachments can lead to disputes between property owners, as the encroaching party is essentially infringing upon the rights of the adjacent property owner by utilizing land that does not belong to them.

This concept is significant in real estate because it can affect the value and use of the properties involved. An encroachment can result in legal actions or the need for negotiation to resolve the boundary issues. Understanding encroachment is essential for property owners and buyers to ensure that they are aware of their property boundaries and to avoid potential legal complications.