Freehold

Property Ownership term

Fee Simple Defeasible

An ownership estate that can be terminated if a specified condition occurs or fails to occur.

Why Fee Simple Defeasible matters on the exam

This term belongs to Property Ownership. The questions below are real items from Freehold's bank that use it - each one cites its source.

Exam questions using Fee Simple Defeasible

Every Freehold question shows why the right answer is right — and cites its source.

Which estate represents the highest and most complete form of property ownership recognized by law?

  1. Life estate
  2. Fee simple defeasible
  3. Fee simple absolute
  4. A leasehold estate interest
Show answer & explanation

Fee simple absolute — Fee simple absolute is the highest form of ownership: it lasts indefinitely, is freely transferable and inheritable, and carries no conditions that could terminate the estate.

Source: PSI National Real Estate Exam Content Outline §1 Property Ownership

A deed states, 'to the city so long as the land is used as a public library.' This language most likely creates:

  1. A tenancy at will
  2. A fee simple defeasible estate
  3. A cooperative interest
  4. An easement in gross
Show answer & explanation

A fee simple defeasible estate — Conditional language such as 'so long as' creates a defeasible fee, because ownership may end if the stated land-use condition is violated.

Source: PSI National Real Estate Exam Content Outline §1 Property Ownership

Related Property Ownership terms

See every term in this area: Property Ownership glossary

Drill Fee Simple Defeasible and 250+ more terms free

Every question sourced and explained. Guided Study Path, on-device coach, real exam settings for your state. No ads, no subscriptions, ever.

Get Freehold free
Freehold is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by PSI, Pearson VUE, or any state real estate licensing board or commission. Freehold does not guarantee passage of any licensing exam.