Which statement describes a fee simple determinable?

Which statement describes a fee simple determinable?

• A. It ends automatically when the prescribed condition occurs and reverts to the grantor.
• B. It lasts for a fixed number of years.
• C. It creates a life estate in the grantee.
• D. It requires the grantor to re-confirm ownership periodically.

Answer: (A)

A fee simple determinable ends automatically when a stated condition occurs, and the property reverts to the grantor (or the grantor’s heirs) immediately because of an automatic reversion. The hallmark is the built‑in mechanism that terminates the estate without any action by the grantor, often signaled by words like “so long as,” “until,” or “while.” This is different from a term of years, which lasts for a fixed time; a life estate, which ends at the holder’s death; or a situation where the grantor must take action to reclaim the property. The automatic expiration upon the condition is the defining feature.

A fee simple determinable ends automatically when a stated condition occurs, and the property reverts to the grantor (or the grantor’s heirs) immediately because of an automatic reversion. The hallmark is the built‑in mechanism that terminates the estate without any action by the grantor, often signaled by words like “so long as,” “until,” or “while.” This is different from a term of years, which lasts for a fixed time; a life estate, which ends at the holder’s death; or a situation where the grantor must take action to reclaim the property. The automatic expiration upon the condition is the defining feature.