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What is the main difference between a fee simple estate and a leasehold estate?

Correct Answer

A) Fee simple is ownership without time limit; leasehold is possession for a set term.

Fee simple represents the highest form of ownership interest in land, providing absolute ownership that can be inherited and sold freely. Leasehold is a temporary right to possess and use land for a specified period under the terms of a lease agreement.

Answer Options
A
Fee simple is ownership without time limit; leasehold is possession for a set term.
B
Fee simple lasts for a fixed term, whereas a leasehold lasts indefinitely.
C
Fee simple requires ground rent to the Crown, whereas leasehold carries no rent.
D
Fee simple applies to residential land, whereas leasehold applies only to commercial land.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Fee simple is the largest estate in land: it has no time limit and the owner can sell, mortgage, lease or leave it by will. A leasehold gives possession only for the term of the lease, after which the land returns to the landlord.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

fee simpleleaseholdabsolute ownershiptemporary possessionTorrens title
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