Freehold Estates

Question 1

If a person has complete control over their property, and the ownership in the property is not defeasible, what interest does the person have in the property?

Answer 1

Fee Simple Estate

Question 2

Ulyanna and Daniel own two contiguous properties situated on the shores of a fast-moving river. Ulyanna’s parcel is situated upstream from Daniel’s parcel. Over time, the action of the river’s water has moved some silt and dirt from the shores of Ulyanna’s property and deposited it downstream on the shores of Daniel’s property. Based upon this fact pattern, which of the following lists best describes what has occurred on Daniel’s property?

Answer 2

Accession, accretion, alluvium

*This series of words best describes what has happened on Daniel’s property. As it pertains to real estate, “accession” means to acquire more land, even a small amount of land. “Accretion” is accession that occurs through natural causes. Here, what happened on Daniel’s land is accession by accretion because the natural action of the river’s water deposited silt on the shores of Daniel’s property. Finally, “alluvium” is a technical term for the silt/dirt moved by the river from Ulyanna’s shores and deposited on Daniel’s shores.