Accretion
Accretion is the gradual and imperceptible addition of land to a property through natural deposits of soil, sand, or sediment by water action, with the new land becoming the property of the landowner.
Exam Tip
Accretion = GRADUAL land gain from deposits. Avulsion = SUDDEN land change. Reliction = land gain from water RECEDING. Owner keeps accreted land!
What is Accretion?
Accretion is a legal term in real estate referring to the gradual, natural increase of land along a body of water through the slow deposit of soil, sand, or sediment. The key requirement is that the addition must be so gradual that it cannot be perceived as it happens.
How Accretion Works
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Process | Gradual deposit of sediment |
| Cause | Water action (rivers, streams, ocean) |
| Speed | Imperceptible (happens slowly) |
| Result | New land added to property |
Ownership of Accreted Land
- The landowner automatically gains title to accreted land
- No additional purchase or deed required
- Property boundaries adjust naturally
- Applies to waterfront properties
Accretion vs. Avulsion
| Accretion | Avulsion |
|---|---|
| Gradual addition | Sudden removal/addition |
| Imperceptible | Noticeable event |
| Owner gains land | Original owner retains rights |
| Natural deposits | Flood, earthquake, etc. |
Accretion vs. Reliction
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Accretion | Land gained by soil deposits |
| Reliction | Land gained by water receding |
| Erosion | Land lost by water action |
| Avulsion | Sudden change in land |
Legal Significance
- Title Transfer - Land automatically belongs to adjacent owner
- Survey Changes - Property boundaries may need updating
- Tax Assessment - May affect property taxes
- Disputes - Can cause neighbor conflicts
Example
A riverfront property slowly gains 10 feet of land over 20 years as the river deposits sediment along the bank. The owner automatically owns this new land through accretion.