What describes a property interest that reverts back to the original owner if certain conditions are violated?

A property interest that reverts back to the original owner if certain conditions are violated is appropriately described as a fee simple condition subsequent. This form of ownership allows the property to remain with the current owner unless a specified condition is breached, at which point the original owner has the right to reclaim the property.

For instance, if the owner of a property stipulates that it must be used for residential purposes only and it is subsequently used for commercial purposes, the original owner can enforce the condition and reclaim the property. This characteristic of reverting ownership highlights the controlling nature of the conditions imposed on the property.

In contrast, fee simple determinable directly ties the property interest to a condition which, if violated, results in an automatic reversion of ownership to the grantor without any further action required. Fee simple absolute represents the maximum interest in a property, free from any conditions, and does not revert to anyone. Fee simple defeasible may also allow for reversion under certain conditions, but it typically involves terminology related to the condition being violated rather than specifying explicit conditions as seen in the fee simple condition subsequent.