What ownership rights does a fee simple grant?

A fee simple is the highest form of property ownership recognized in real estate law, granting the owner full control over the property. This means that the owner has the unconditional right to possess the property, use it, enjoy it, lease it, sell it, or transfer it to heirs. This absolute ownership is not limited by time; it continues indefinitely unless the owner chooses to sell or otherwise dispose of the property.

In contrast, limited ownership rights or temporary rights, as referenced in the other options, reflect restrictions or conditions that do not apply to fee simple ownership. For instance, limited rights to a specific property would imply some conditions or lesser interests, and only having the right to lease or temporary rights to inhabit suggest a lack of full ownership that is inherent in a fee simple grant. Therefore, the essence of the fee simple estate encompasses the broader and more comprehensive ownership rights that allow an owner to fully utilize and control their property without restrictions.