"O to A so long as ..." What estate does A hold?

• A. Fee simple determinable
• B. Fee simple subject to condition subsequent
• C. Life estate
• D. Fee simple absolute

Answer: (A)

When a grant uses a duration-related phrase like “so long as,” it creates a fee simple determinable. The estate lasts only while the specified condition is satisfied, and if that condition ends or is violated, the property automatically reverts to the grantor (or the grantor’s heirs) without any action by the grantor. That automatic reversion is the hallmark of a determinable estate, with the grantor holding a future interest called a possibility of reverter.

This differs from a fee simple subject to a condition subsequent, where the grantor retains a right of entry to reclaim the land rather than an automatic reversion. It also isn’t a life estate, which is measured by a life (not by a condition like “so long as”). And it isn’t a fee simple absolute, which has no conditions attached. So the language “so long as …” best fits a fee simple determinable.