Which of the following is a key characteristic of a determinable fee estate?

A determinable fee estate is characterized by its conditional nature, specifically that the property is granted with certain limitations that, if violated, will cause the property to revert to the original grantor automatically. This type of estate is set up so that ownership continues only as long as certain conditions are met. For example, if the grant specifies that the property is to be used for a specific purpose, and that purpose ceases, the estate reverts back to the grantor without the need for legal action.

The other options do not accurately reflect the characteristics of a determinable fee estate. An absolute ownership without conditions describes a fee simple estate, which is not specifically tied to any limitations. The lack of a right of reversion describes a different kind of ownership, such as a fee simple subject to a condition subsequent or an estate in remainder, rather than a determinable fee. Lastly, a determinable fee estate does not last for the lifetime of an individual; it is not limited to a life estate but instead continues indefinitely until a condition is breached.

Thus, the key aspect of a determinable fee estate is indeed the automatic reversion to the original grantor upon the occurrence of specified conditions.