An absolute restriction on alienability is:

• A. An absolute restriction on alienability is void
• B. A restraint on alienation may be valid if limited by a reasonable time
• C. Any restraint on alienation is valid if tied to a beneficial purpose
• D. Restraints on alienation are never allowed

Answer: (A)

Restraints on alienation are judged by whether they allow property to be transferred freely. An absolute restriction on alienability tries to prohibit any transfer at all, which clashes with the fundamental idea that ownership includes the right to sell or convey. Because of that public policy favoring transferability, such a blanket ban is void.

Note that restraints can be acceptable if they’re limited in time and reasonable in scope, aimed at a legitimate objective, but they cannot be perpetual or absolute. Statements suggesting that any restraint tied to a beneficial purpose is valid or that restraints are never allowed are too broad, while the specific absolute ban rule is the one that correctly reflects the standard.