Life estate

What is Life estate?

An estate in real property whose duration is limited to the life of the party holding the life estate, or of some other person. On the death of the life tenant, the property will go to the holder of the remainder interest or to the grantor by reversion.

Further Reading

For more detailed information, see our related Real Property terms:

• Concurrent Ownership
• Quitclaim deed
• Quit Claim Deed

Reviewed by

Stephanie Bagnall

Licensed Attorney and Legal Researcher

Stephanie Bagnall is a Georgia-licensed attorney and legal researcher with experience in accessibility law, compliance, employment law, and legal writing. She helps develop and review BarPrepHero's Legal Terms content for clarity, accuracy, and usefulness to bar exam students.

View Stephanie on LinkedIn