Final answer:
A fee estate subject to termination if a condition is violated is either a fee simple determinable or a fee simple on condition subsequent, with the former reverting automatically and the latter requiring the grantor to act to reclaim the property.
Step-by-step explanation:
A fee estate that contains a condition which, if violated, could lead to the termination of the estate, is known as a fee simple determinable estate or a fee simple on condition subsequent. In these estates, property ownership is contingent on certain conditions being met. If the condition for a fee simple determinable is breached, the property automatically reverts to the original grantor or their heirs. For a fee simple on condition subsequent, the original grantor retains the right to reclaim the property, but must take affirmative action to do so upon breach of the condition.
For example, consider a property deeded to a university on the condition that it must always be used for educational purposes. If the university decides to develop a shopping mall on the site instead, the estate could be terminated, and the property could revert to the original owner or their heirs, depending on the exact terms of the original conveyance.