What is the term for the legal right to possess and use land?

The term that describes the legal right to possess and use land is a freehold estate. A freehold estate grants the holder an interest in the land that is indefinite in duration, meaning it is not limited to a specified time period. This type of estate typically includes both ownership rights and the right to transfer those rights, allowing the owner to utilize the land for personal use, development, or other purposes.

Having a freehold estate indicates a higher degree of control over the property compared to options like leasehold estates, which involve temporary rental agreements with specific time limits and do not convey ownership. Similarly, easements provide limited rights to use another person’s property but do not confer ownership. Property deeds, on the other hand, are legal documents that serve as evidence of ownership but do not define the rights to possess or use land in themselves. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the significance of a freehold estate in the context of property law.