fee simple determinable

fee simple determinable

An interest in real property that will automatically terminate upon the happening of a certain described event.

Example: “I grant Blackacre to First Methodist Church ‘for so long as it is used as' (or ‘but only if the property is used for') a church.” When the property ceases being used for the purpose granted, then title automatically reverts back to the grantor or the grantor's heirs. It is said that the grantor retains a possibility of reverter. Contrast with fee simple defeasible.