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Real estate glossaryNational exam concept

Life estate

A life estate is a freehold interest that lasts for the lifetime of a named person.

Exam area: Property Ownership

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What does “life estate” mean in real estate?

A life estate is a freehold interest that lasts for the lifetime of a named person. The life tenant may possess and use the property but cannot commit waste that unreasonably harms the future interest.

How is “life estate” different from the closest wrong answer?

The life tenant holds the present possessory estate. The remainderman or reversioner holds the future interest that becomes possessory when the measuring life ends.

What is the Georgia-specific rule?

Georgia deeds can create life estates and reserve or grant future interests. The instrument determines the measuring life and who takes next.

Worked exam example

Scenario

An owner conveys a home to Maya for life, then to Leo. Maya has the life estate, and Leo has the remainder.

What is the most common exam trap?

Trap correction

The life tenant may transfer only the interest held. A buyer from the life tenant does not receive ownership beyond the measuring life.

Original exam check

Apply the definition

Grace holds a life estate in a farm measured by her own life, with the remainder to Hal. Grace sells her interest to Ivan. What does Ivan own?

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Recommended next complete lesson

Continue with Property Ownership complete lesson. It places this term inside the full rule, worked examples, exam traps, and mixed practice required for mastery.