Which form of ownership ensures that real property can be passed down to children in a will?

A fee estate is a form of ownership that allows the owner to have full control over the property, including the right to sell, execute a will, or pass the property down to heirs. This characteristic of a fee estate is crucial because it enables the current owner to dictate the future ownership of the property, ensuring it can be bequeathed to children or any designated beneficiaries through a will.

In contrast, a life estate provides ownership only for the duration of an individual's life, after which the property reverts to another party. Leasehold represents a rental agreement rather than ownership, which does not allow for property transfer upon death. Tenancy in common allows multiple owners to hold interests in the property, but ownership shares can be passed based on the co-owners’ wishes rather than specifically through a will unless otherwise stated.

The ability to pass down property via a will is a fundamental aspect of fee simple ownership, distinguishing it from other forms of property ownership that do not offer the same rights of inheritance.