What is a gift of land called when the giver wishes to control its future use?

A gift of land that allows the giver to control its future use is known as a defeasible fee estate. This type of estate is characterized by certain conditions attached to the property's ownership; these conditions dictate how the land can be used or what must happen for the ownership to continue. If these conditions are violated, the ownership can be terminated, and the property can revert back to the giver or a specified third party.

In a defeasible fee estate, the intention of the giver is to impose a level of responsibility or restriction on the use of the property. This allows the giver to maintain some influence over the land's future, ensuring that it is used according to their wishes. For example, the giver might donate a piece of land to a charity with the stipulation that it must be used for a certain purpose, such as a park or community center. If that purpose is not met, the land may revert to the giver's heirs.

The other options represent different types of property ownership that do not have the same level of control over future use. A life estate grants ownership for the duration of an individual's life but does not allow for continued control after that person's death. A fee simple absolute represents complete ownership without conditions, while a qualifying fee defeasible