What is the term for the right of an owner to sell their property?

The right of an owner to sell their property is referred to as alienation. This term specifically denotes the legal process through which an owner can transfer their rights and interests in real property to another party. Alienation encompasses a variety of methods for conveying property, including sales, gifts, or bequests through a will.

Understanding alienation is fundamental in real estate as it encompasses the owner's freedom to dispose of their property as they choose. This aligns well with property ownership principles, where the ability to transfer property rights is a key feature of ownership. The concept of alienation also involves the distinction between voluntary actions, like selling the property, and involuntary actions, such as foreclosure, where a property could be taken away due to legal liabilities.

Property rights, transferability, and ownership privilege, while related, do not specifically define the act of selling the property itself, which is essential in identifying what alienation covers within real estate transactions.