A lien is best described as

A lien is best described as a legal claim against property, which means that it gives the creditor the right to possess the property if the debtor fails to fulfill their obligations, such as repaying a loan. This legal claim is typically recorded in the public records and serves as a security interest in the property, ensuring that the creditor has a clear legal route to recover the owed amounts, often through the sale of that property.

The nature of a lien is formal and provides a mechanism for creditors to protect their interests. Liens can arise from various situations, such as mortgages, judgments, or mechanic's liens, where service providers have the right to claim a property to satisfy unpaid debts. This characteristic highlights the importance of liens in real estate and finance, as they create a clear connection between a debt and the corresponding asset.