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Estate in qualified fee conditional
Definition:
An estate in qualified fee conditional is a freehold estate in real property in which the former owner (grantor) has specified that the new owner (grantee) or his or her heirs cannot violate a stipulated condition. If they do, the former owner retains the right of re-entry, which allows him or her to re-enter the land to make sure the condition has not been violated. The right of re-entry is also the legal mechanism through which the current estate ends and the grantor can recover fee simple ownership (a process known as reversion). Generally, the right of re-entry can be exercised only if an action is performed that has specifically been prohibited. Whether or not to take legal action to recover fee ownership of the property is at the sole discretion of the grantor.
Also known as an Estate in qualified fee subject to condition subsequent.
Example: Mr. Smith owns land in fee simple absolute, which he sells to Mr. Jones under the condition that the land not be used for industrial purposes, even though industrial land use is permissible according to local zoning regulations. If Mr. Jones constructs a factory on the property, or develops the land for any other industrial purpose, the estate ends and Mr. Smith (or his heirs) can regain ownership of the land. In order to recover the estate, Mr. Smith or his heirs must petition a court with jurisdiction over real estate matters.
Terms, Definitions, and Concepts: Real Estate, Title and Title Insurance, Legal (Law), Management
Added: Thu May 29 2008
Last Modified: Wed Jul 09 2008
Related Terms
Estate Freehold (Freehold estate) Fee simple absolute (Fee simple, Fee, Fee ownership) Grantor Grantee Heir Right of reentry (Right of re-entry) Fee simple defeasible Freehold (Freehold estate) Reversion Estate in qualified fee subject to condition subsequent Title Real property Estate in qualified fee determinable Estate of inheritance Condition subsequent Estates in Real Property FAQ'sHave something to add? How useful is this Landterm? Bookmark this term
