What distinguishes a freehold estate from a leasehold estate?

• A. A freehold includes the right to dispose or use.
• B. A leasehold endures only for a specific period of time.
• C. A freehold cannot be defeasible.
• D. A leasehold is subject to government restrictions.

Answer: (B)

The main idea is the difference in duration and ownership rights. A freehold estate represents ownership with an indefinite duration, often including the right to transfer title, sell, or bequeath the property. A leasehold estate is a tenancy created by a lease that gives possession and use for a defined period of time, after which the property goes back to the owner. Because the key distinction is how long the rights last, the statement that a leasehold endures only for a specific period best captures the contrast. While freeholds can be defeasible in some forms and all real estate is subject to laws and restrictions, those points don’t define the fundamental difference the question is asking about.