In real estate, a Determinable Fee (often called a fee simple determinable) is a type of defeasible estate in which ownership automatically ends if a specified condition or event occurs. The estate is typically created using conditional language such as “so long as,” “while,” or “during,” indicating that the grantee’s ownership is dependent on the continued satisfaction of the stated condition.
If the condition is violated or the specified event happens, title to the property automatically reverts to the grantor or the grantor’s heirs, without the need for court action. Determinable fees are commonly used when a grantor wants to ensure that property is used for a particular purpose, such as for a school, park, or religious use, for as long as that use continues.
