Written by Gurjit Ghai, REALTOR®
Rexara Realty Inc.·Published: August 27, 2026·Selling Farmland
The fixture-versus-chattel distinction decides what stays with the farm and what the seller takes, and on a farm it is more complicated than a house sale because farm equipment, irrigation lines, movable structures, and quota can each fall on different sides of the line. A fixture is generally attached to the land and stays with it, while a chattel is movable property that the seller keeps unless the contract says otherwise.
Where it gets contentious is items like a portable greenhouse, a removable irrigation system, a grain bin, or specialized equipment that is bolted down but was bought separately. Quota, where it exists, is a separate asset entirely and does not transfer with the land unless it is explicitly included and the marketing board approves the transfer.
I make sure the contract lists exactly what is included and what is excluded, because ambiguity here is a common farm-sale dispute. Read our Selling a Farm guide for the framework, and have your lawyer draft the inclusions and exclusions precisely before the offer is accepted.
Important: This answer is general professional guidance for educational purposes and is not legal, tax, financial or regulatory advice. ALR rules, water licensing, zoning and farm-classification requirements can change and depend on your specific property. Always verify with the relevant BC authorities and qualified professionals before making decisions.
Gurjit Ghai, REALTOR®
Personal Real Estate Corporation
Brokerage: Rexara Realty Inc.
Gurjit Ghai is a BC real estate professional specializing in agricultural land, ALR properties, and farm operations across British Columbia. He helps buyers and sellers navigate water rights, soil capability, farm classification, and the unique due diligence that farmland transactions require.