Final answer:
Freehold estates are characterized by ownership in perpetuity and can be inherited, in contrast to nonfreehold estates which are for a specific term and cannot be inherited.
Step-by-step explanation:
A major difference between freehold and nonfreehold estates is that all freehold estates are in perpetuity. This means that a freehold estate involves ownership of real property for an indefinite duration without any determined end date. On the other hand, nonfreehold estates, also known as leasehold estates, are typically for a specific period as established by a lease agreement. Freehold estates may be inheritable, meaning they can be passed down to heirs, which aligns with the traditional usufruct rights often seen in horticultural societies. In such societies, the land is not owned by an individual but rather held in trust by a community leader or family head, who grants individuals the use of the land through usufruct rights, which can be inherited or assigned but not sold.