What is it called when physical property crosses into a neighboring landowner's property?

When physical property crosses into a neighboring landowner's property, this situation is referred to as encroachment. Encroachment occurs when a part of a structure, such as a fence, building, or landscaping, extends beyond the property line and occupies land that belongs to someone else without permission. This can result in legal disputes and may require action from the encroaching party to address the violation of property rights.

The concept of encroachment is significant in real estate as it underscores the importance of having clear property boundaries and understanding land rights. If encroachment is not addressed, it can lead to more complex issues like adverse possession, where a party may eventually claim legal ownership of the encroached land after a certain period of continuous and open use, but that is a different legal concept altogether.