What type of property ownership provides the most rights and control to the owner?

Fee simple estate provides the most rights and control to the owner because it represents the highest form of property ownership. An individual with a fee simple estate has complete and unrestricted ownership of the property, which includes the rights to use it, sell it, lease it, and even pass it on to heirs. This type of ownership is not limited in duration, allowing the owner to hold the property indefinitely unless they choose to sell or transfer it.

In contrast, a leasehold estate grants temporary rights to use the property but does not confer ownership. This means the owner has limited control and ultimate rights revert to the property owner or lessor after the lease period. A joint venture is a business arrangement among parties to work together on a project, which does not imply ownership of property but rather a collaborative investment. A life estate, while providing rights to use and enjoy the property, limits those rights to a person's lifetime, and upon their death, the property typically reverts back to the original owner or their heirs.

Thus, fee simple estate uniquely embodies the comprehensive ownership rights, making it the option that provides the most control and authority to the owner.