What is the highest estate that a property owner can hold?

The highest estate that a property owner can hold is fee simple absolute. This type of estate provides the owner with the maximum rights and control over the property. A fee simple absolute is characterized by its indefinite duration, meaning that the owner has the right to possess the property for as long as they wish without any conditions or limitations. This estate is not subject to any future claims or rights from other parties, making it the most complete form of property ownership.

Unlike a life estate, which is limited to the lifetime of the individual and does not convey full ownership upon death, or forms of joint ownership like tenancy by the entirety and joint tenancy, which involve shared interests, fee simple absolute grants the owner exclusive rights to use, sell, or transfer the property at their discretion. Thus, the fee simple absolute reflects the pinnacle of real property ownership, providing both security and flexibility to the owner.