Which ownership interest is considered the largest in real property?

The fee simple ownership interest is considered the largest in real property because it grants the owner the greatest bundle of rights. A fee simple estate provides full ownership of the property, including the rights to use, sell, lease, or bequeath the property as the owner sees fit. This type of ownership is not subject to any conditions or limitations, which means that the owner has complete control over their property.

In contrast, other ownership interests, such as a leasehold estate, tenancy by the entirety, and joint tenancy, come with certain restrictions. A leasehold estate, for example, grants a tenant the right to use and occupy a property for a specified period, but the ownership ultimately remains with the landlord. Tenancy by the entirety involves a joint ownership structure typically available to married couples, where neither spouse can sell or transfer their interest without the consent of the other. Joint tenancy also introduces the right of survivorship, meaning that upon the death of one owner, their interest automatically transfers to the surviving owner(s), which limits the control the original owner has over the property during their lifetime.

Given these comparisons, the fee simple estate stands out as the most complete and unrestricted form of ownership in real property, which is why it is regarded as the largest