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A developer in Kailua-Kona is building a new single-family residential subdivision. A prospective buyer asks whether the homes will be fee simple or leasehold. The developer confirms they are fee simple. Which of the following correctly distinguishes the buyer's obligations in a fee simple purchase compared to a leasehold purchase in Hawaii?

Correct Answer

B) The fee simple buyer owns the land outright and has no ground rent obligation to any underlying landowner

In a fee simple purchase in Hawaii, the buyer acquires complete ownership of both the land and all improvements. There is no ground rent obligation because there is no underlying landowner retaining ownership of the land. This is the fundamental distinction from leasehold ownership, where the buyer owns only the improvements and the right to use the land for a fixed term, and must pay ground rent to the fee simple landowner.

Answer Options
A
The fee simple buyer must pay ground rent to the state of Hawaii but not to a private landowner
B
The fee simple buyer owns the land outright and has no ground rent obligation to any underlying landowner
C
The fee simple buyer owns the improvements only and must negotiate lease renewal with the state
D
The fee simple buyer must register the property with the Land Court to obtain valid ownership

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

fee_simpleleaseholdground_rentownership_comparisonhawaii_unique

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