What is the right of original owners or their heirs to succeed to property at the death of the current possessor called?

The right of original owners or their heirs to succeed to property at the death of the current possessor is known as reversion. This legal concept implies that when a property is transferred, the property may revert back to the original owner or their heirs upon the occurrence of a specific event, often the death of the current possessor. This reversionary interest is a key aspect of property law and is relevant in various types of property conveyances or transfers, particularly when the property interest is for a limited duration or conditioned in some manner.

In contrast to reversion, a life estate grants an individual the right to inhabit or use the property for the duration of their life, but it does not extend beyond that person's lifespan. Therefore, upon the death of the life tenant, the property does not revert to the original owner or heirs unless specified. Joint tenancy refers to a form of co-ownership with rights of survivorship, meaning that upon the death of one owner, their share automatically passes to the surviving owners, rather than reverting to heirs. Dominant estate relates to a property that benefits from an easement over a servient estate and does not pertain to ownership succession. Thus, reversion accurately encapsulates the right of the original owners or their