Definition

Noun: Property consisting of land and the buildings on it, along with its natural resources such as crops, minerals, or water. It is a tangible asset and a major category of property law and investment.

Usage

The term "real estate" refers to the physical land and any permanent human constructions attached to it. It is an uncountable noun used to discuss this asset class in general. * He made a fortune investing in real estate. * The value of commercial real estate has increased. * She works as an agent in the real estate industry.

Advanced Usage

• "Real estate" as a concept of space or positioning: Informally used to refer to valuable or strategic physical or metaphorical space.
  • In a crowded magazine layout, the front page is prime real estate for advertisers.
  • The corner spot in the mall is the best retail real estate.

Variants and Related Words

• Real property: A formal, legal synonym for "real estate," often used in contracts and law.
• Realty: A less common synonym for the real estate business or property.
• Real estate agent / Realtor®: A person licensed to arrange the buying and selling of real estate. (Note: 'Realtor' is a trademarked term for a member of the National Association of Realtors).

Synonyms

• Land and buildings
• Property
• Real property

Related Phrases

• Real estate market: The economic environment for buying and selling property.
  • The real estate market is very competitive right now.
• Real estate development: The business of building new structures or modifying existing land.
  • The company focuses on residential real estate development.

Related Idioms

• "As safe as houses": An idiom implying something is very secure, often related to the perceived stability of real estate as an investment.
  • Your money is as safe as houses in this fund.

Noun

1. property consisting of houses and land