What term describes conditions in which the owner of a property dies without having left a valid will?

The term that describes conditions in which the owner of a property dies without having left a valid will is "Intestate." When a person dies intestate, it means that they have not made a legal will to specify how their assets should be distributed after their death. This situation often leads to the estate being handled according to the intestacy laws of the state, which dictate how the deceased's property will be divided among surviving relatives.

The other terms have specific meanings that are distinct from intestate. For example, “Testate” refers to a situation where a person has died leaving a valid will. “Probate” is the legal process through which a deceased person's will is validated and their estate is administered. “Estates” generally refers to the total assets owned by someone at the time of their death, encompassing both testate and intestate situations. Understanding these terms is critical in real estate and estate planning, as they define the legal status of a property after the owner's death.