Fee Simple Estate

Definition: A fee simple estate is the broadest ownership estate in real property and can continue indefinitely. Fee simple absolute has no special condition that automatically ends the estate.

Example

An owner holds a home in fee simple and can sell it, give it away, or leave it to heirs, subject to applicable law and existing interests.

Keep the distinction clear

Fee simple does not mean free of mortgages, taxes, zoning, or valid private restrictions. It describes the ownership estate. A life estate, by contrast, is measured by a person’s life.

Related terms

Freehold Estate · Life Estate · Real Property · Encumbrance

Keep studying

Freehold vs. Leasehold Estates: How to Tell Them Apart

References: Cornell LII: Fee simple

Pronunciation (US): FEE SIM-puhl ih-STAYT (capitals show stress)

Pronunciation reference: Merriam-Webster