Which type of estate is NOT considered freehold?

In real estate terminology, freehold estates refer to ownership interests that last for an indefinite period and provide full ownership rights to the holder. A tenancy for years, on the other hand, is a type of leasehold estate that is characterized by a fixed duration. It involves a lease agreement between a landlord and a tenant, where the tenant has a right to use the property for a predetermined time period, such as a year, month, or any specified duration.

The essence of a tenancy for years is that it is not ownership of the property but rather a temporary right to occupy and use it, which automatically terminates at the end of the lease term unless renewed. Since freehold estates are defined by their indefinite nature and complete ownership rights, a tenancy for years clearly does not fit into this category.

In contrast, both life estates and fee simple absolute are classified as freehold estates, as they entail ownership interests that can last for a lifetime or indefinitely, respectively. Leasehold estates, like the tenancy for years, are also distinct from freehold estates because they provide usage rights for a limited time without conveying ownership. Thus, the identification of tenancy for years as not being a freehold estate is accurate based on its defined characteristics.