What type of ownership provides the greatest control and interest in a property?

A fee simple estate represents the highest form of property ownership. It gives the owner complete control and rights over the property, allowing them to use it, sell it, lease it, or bequeath it without any limitations or conditions. This type of ownership is not only the most comprehensive in terms of usage rights but also comes without a specified end date; the owner maintains title to the property indefinitely, unless they choose to transfer it.

In contrast, other types of ownership have limitations. For instance, a leasehold estate provides rights to use and occupy property for a specified duration, without transferring ownership of the title. A life estate limits ownership to the lifetime of the individual granted the estate, after which the property reverts to another party. Cooperative ownership involves shared ownership among several individuals but typically comes with restrictions on how decisions regarding the property are made and how it can be used.

Thus, the fee simple estate stands out because it offers the most autonomy and security of ownership, making it the answer that aligns with having the greatest control and interest in a property.