What's the difference between chattels and fixtures when buying a property?

Chattels are movable items not permanently attached to the property — furniture, loose appliances, pool equipment and garden tools. They're considered personal property and aren't included in a sale unless specifically agreed in the contract. Fixtures are attached to the property in a more permanent way — built-in wardrobes, light fixtures, permanently installed appliances — and are generally included in the sale. The key difference: chattels can be removed without damaging the property, while removing a fixture would typically cause damage or reduce the property's value.