What is the main characteristic of a freehold estate?

A freehold estate is primarily characterized by ownership lasting for an indefinite duration. This type of real property interest grants the owner full rights to the property, which can be held indefinitely and is not bound by a fixed term like lease agreements. This distinguishes freehold estates from leasehold estates, which are temporal and less secure forms of property ownership, as they provide only a temporary right to use the property for a specified duration.

In the context of property law, freehold estates can include life estates or fee simple estates, both of which allow an owner to utilize the property with a high degree of autonomy. This indefinite nature adds significant value and stability to the ownership compared to other forms of property interests that are more restricted by time or lease agreements.