When does a fee simple conditional estate typically terminate?

A fee simple conditional estate is a type of freehold estate that is granted with specific conditions or terms that must be adhered to. The key characteristic of this estate is that it includes a condition precedent that, if violated, leads to the termination of the estate. Thus, when a specified condition is violated, the ownership can revert back to the original grantor or their heirs, or it may result in another party acquiring the interest.

This mechanism ensures that the property remains in accordance with the conditions set forth at the time of the grant. For example, if the condition is that the property must be used for a specific purpose, such as a school, and that purpose ceases, then the fee simple conditional estate effectively terminates. Therefore, the proper understanding of when this type of estate ends focuses on the nature of the conditions established upon its creation.