𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝗳 "𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲": 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴'𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

When we think of "real estate," we typically imagine houses, apartments, land, and buildings, as well as the possibility of investing in these assets for profit. But did you know that this term has a much deeper origin, connected to the history of power and property?

Where does the term “real estate” come from?

The term "real estate" comes directly from the Middle Ages, a time when land had a very different meaning and value than we do today. Back then, land was not simply a private asset, but was considered the property of the king or crown, giving it an almost sacred character and a direct connection to absolute power.

Control of land was the primary symbol of authority and wealth. The king, as supreme ruler, had the exclusive power to grant, transfer, or even confiscate land. Subjects who received land from the monarch were required to swear loyalty and pay tribute, thus ensuring a steady flow of resources that sustained the kingdom's political and military structure.

A historical curiosity: land as a reward

Kings often granted lands to their vassals, knights, or nobles as a reward for their services, especially military or political. In return, these feudal lords administered the lands, collected taxes, and maintained order, but always under the authority of the monarch. This system ensured that power and wealth were concentrated in the king, who was the true owner of all the lands.

For those who owned land, this meant not only economic income but also great political and social power. Land was the basis of the agrarian economy and influence within the kingdom.

What remains of that system today?

Although we live in a very different system today, with real estate markets, property titles, and civil rights, the legacy of that model is still present.

When you buy a property, whether it's an apartment, a house, or a piece of land, you obtain a title deed that gives you exclusive rights to that property. However, the land on which that property is built still belongs to the state , the modern "king."

The property tax: the modern tribute to the “king”

Just as vassals in the Middle Ages paid tribute to the king for their lands, today landowners pay a property tax to the state for the use and possession of their real estate. This tax is a kind of rent we must pay for living, using, or investing in a territorial space under state jurisdiction.

If the tax is not paid, the state can impose penalties including forfeiture of property, a direct reflection of the former royal power to seize land from those who fail to meet their obligations.

Land as a strategic resource

This historical connection between land and power is not only a cultural curiosity, but also helps us understand why real estate investments remain a fundamental pillar for financial stability and wealth growth.

Properties have value not only because of their construction or location, but because the land on which they stand is a limited and highly strategic resource, controlled by the State, which regulates its use, value, and transfer.

What can we learn from this story?

The concept of “real estate” reminds us that investing in property is much more than just buying a property: it's entering into a historical system of value, control, and power.

Investing in real estate means participating in a market where land remains a unique resource with clear rules, regulated by the state. Understanding this reality is key to making smart and sustainable investments.

Want to learn more about how to harness the power of real estate to build your wealth?

As a real estate agent, I'm here to guide you and help you discover the best opportunities in today's market. Let's chat and start building your future!

Vero Bouroncle | Real Estate Agent PN 14128