Lionel is considering whether to purchase a waterfront property. Before he does so, he wants to make sure he knows something about any special issues related to such properties. In his research, Lionel came across the term "accretion." Lionel wants to known more.

What Is Accretion?

The term "accretion" refers to the process by which an area of real property is increased due to the gradual deposit of soil from a boundary river, stream, lake, pond, or tidal waters. The legal implications that stem from accretion derive from ancient common law. The converse of the process of accretion, that is the erosion of land due to the gradual recession of a body of water, is known as "reliction."

How Does Accretion Affect the Rights of Property Owners?

Generally speaking, when changes to property result from accretion, the boundary line between adjacent property owners moves with the water-related changes. The result of accretion is that a property owner acquires title to the additional lands.

State law on the subject of accretion and reliction varies from state to state. Accordingly, the applicable state law must be consulted for further details.

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