What are fixtures and goods sold with the land?

A fixture can be defined as anything that cannot be removed without leaving a defect. On the other hand, goods sold with the land or chattels are items that are not fixtures, i.e. they are items that could easily be removed without leaving a defect.  Typical goods could be carpets, light fittings, curtains and blinds, dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave or washing machine.  These items should be explicitly listed in the contract to give the purchaser comfort that these items are part of the sale, and that they will be left at the property for the purchaser at settlement.

In the description of the Land in the standard form of contract of sale of real estate (that was prescribed by the Estate Agents (Contracts) Regulations 2008 prior to their revocation on 11/8/2018), it includes the words “the land includes all improvements and fixtures”.

This is a legal way of stating that the house or other building that is located on the land is included in the sale.

For more information about goods and chattels being sold with land, please contact Glenferrie Conveyancing in Northcote on 03 9815 2351.