What characterizes a "mechanic's lien" in property law?

A mechanic's lien is a legal claim against a property, typically used to secure payment for work performed or materials supplied in the improvement of that property. Its enforceability against subsequent purchasers upon proper notice is a key defining feature. When a mechanic's lien is properly established and recorded, it can attach to the property and survive a transfer to new owners, as long as those new owners were given appropriate notice of the lien. This means that if a buyer purchases the property, they may still be held liable for the payment due to the contractor or supplier who filed the lien, provided that the lien was properly filed and the necessary notifications were made.

In contrast, a mechanic's lien does have specific legal requirements regarding its filing and enforcement, which may vary by jurisdiction, but these do not negate its enforceability against future owners when done correctly. Other options may incorrectly imply that certain procedural aspects are wholly determinative or dismiss the necessity of notice and filing in the mechanic's lien process.