This type of ownership represents a grant of property that, while potentially indefinite, is subject to certain conditions or events. Should the specified condition occur or be violated, the ownership can be terminated and reverted back to the grantor or a designated third party. Consider, for instance, a donation of land to a school on the condition that it always be used for educational purposes. If the school ceases to use the land for education, ownership could revert to the original donor or their heirs.
The significance of this ownership type lies in its flexibility, allowing grantors to ensure specific uses of property are maintained over time. It balances the desire to transfer ownership with the ability to control future land use. Historically, this form of ownership has been utilized to encourage certain behaviors or restrict undesirable activities on real property, reflecting societal values and grantor intentions.