What classification does a life estate fall under?

A life estate is classified as a freehold estate because it represents an interest in real property that lasts for the duration of a person's life. This type of estate provides the holder with ownership rights, allowing them to use and occupy the property during their lifetime. Upon the death of the life tenant, the property reverts back to the original grantor or to a designated remainderman, which is a characteristic distinct from leasehold estates, where rights are limited to a specific time period and do not confer ownership in the same way.

Freehold estates, like the life estate, imply a degree of permanence and are associated with ownership rather than temporary possession, as found in leasehold or non-freehold estates. This ownership aspect also differentiates it from temporary estates, which typically refer to limited interests in property that do not have the same lasting impact as freehold estates. The classification as a freehold estate captures the essence of a life estate's duration tied to the life of the individual rather than a fixed term or lease agreement.