When a grant says 'to A so long as X', what happens if X occurs?

When a grant says 'to A so long as X', what happens if X occurs?

• A. The property automatically reverts to the grantor.
• B. The property is transferred to a third party.
• C. The grantor loses all rights.
• D. The property reverts to the grantor.

Answer: (D)

A phrase like “to A so long as X” creates a determinable estate, a type of defeasible fee whose duration depends on X. When the condition X occurs, theendency ends automatically, and the property reverts to the grantor. The grantor holds a future interest called a possibility of reverter that becomes possessory by operation of law the moment X happens. There’s no need for the grantor to take action to reclaim the land, unlike other defeasible arrangements that require a notice or entry. So, when X occurs, the property goes back to the grantor.

A phrase like “to A so long as X” creates a determinable estate, a type of defeasible fee whose duration depends on X. When the condition X occurs, theendency ends automatically, and the property reverts to the grantor. The grantor holds a future interest called a possibility of reverter that becomes possessory by operation of law the moment X happens. There’s no need for the grantor to take action to reclaim the land, unlike other defeasible arrangements that require a notice or entry. So, when X occurs, the property goes back to the grantor.