What is an encumbrance in real property?

An encumbrance in real property is defined as a claim or liability attached to a property that may affect its value. This encompasses a wide range of potential issues that could impact the property's title or its marketability. Encumbrances can include mortgages, liens, easements, and other claims that represent a burden on the property. Because these encumbrances can limit the owner's control over the property or impose financial obligations, they often have a direct effect on the property's value.

The other choices represent specific situations or types of claims that do not encapsulate the broader definition of encumbrance. For instance, a tax obligation is indeed a financial responsibility but isn't the full spectrum of what an encumbrance entails. Similarly, a type of mortgage for commercial properties is just one category of encumbrance, while zoning laws represent a regulatory aspect rather than a claim on the title itself. Thus, while they relate to property, they do not fully define what an encumbrance is or the extent to which it affects property value.