What term refers to the right of an owner to occupy the property indefinitely?

The term that refers to the right of an owner to occupy the property indefinitely is known as fee simple. This type of ownership represents the highest form of property interest available and grants the owner complete control over the property, subject only to governmental regulations and laws. With a fee simple estate, the owner has the right to use the property, lease it, sell it, or pass it on to heirs, without any time limitation.

In contrast, a leasehold estate provides a temporary right to occupy a property for a specific duration, while a life estate grants occupancy only for the duration of the life of a particular individual, after which the property may revert to another party. A future estate refers to an interest in property that will be effective in the future but does not confer immediate rights to occupy or use the property. Overall, fee simple gives the owner perpetual rights, distinguishing it from the other types of property interests.