Which of the following is a basic right of freehold ownership?

• A. Right of possession
• B. Right of encumbrance
• C. Right of quiet enjoyment
• D. Right of disposition

Answer: (D)

Owning a freehold gives you a bundle of rights, and the ability to transfer that property is a fundamental part of how property ownership works. The right to dispose is the power to transfer ownership—selling, gifting, mortgage, or otherwise alienating the land. This capability is what makes ownership marketable and valuable: you can convert your interest into value or pass it to someone else.

The right to possess is the use and occupancy of the property, and the right to quiet enjoyment protects you from disturbances while you own it. These describe use and protection during ownership, not the act of transferring ownership. The right to encumber relates to creating a burden on the property (like a mortgage), which is an action you undertake, not a basic inherent right of ownership itself in the sense of transferring the property. So, while possession and quiet enjoyment are important, the right to dispose specifically captures the fundamental power to transfer or alienate the property, making it the best answer.