What is the highest interest in real estate recognized by law?

The highest interest in real estate recognized by law is the Fee Simple. This form of ownership represents the most complete interest one can have in real property, as it includes full rights to use, occupy, lease, or sell the property. A Fee Simple estate is not limited by time, and its owner can hold it indefinitely, allowing for both living persons and their heirs to inherit the property upon the owner's death.

In contrast, a Life Estate grants ownership only for the duration of an individual's life, after which the interest reverts to another party (the remainderman). While a Remainder Interest does provide a future claim to property after a life estate ends, it does not constitute a full interest itself. An Equitable Interest typically refers to interests recognized by courts in terms of fairness or equity, often held in situations involving trusts or other arrangements but does not carry the same legal weight as a Fee Simple in terms of ownership rights.

Therefore, the Fee Simple is recognized as the highest and most complete form of ownership in real estate law.