What is the primary characteristic of a license in real property law?

The primary characteristic of a license in real property law is that it is revocable at the will of the grantor. A license grants permission to a person to perform a specific act on someone else's property without transferring any real estate interest. This means that the individual holding the license does not have permanent rights to the property and can only use it as permitted by the grantor.

Since a license does not create any lasting interest or estate in the land, the grantor can revoke it at any time, which makes it distinctly different from other property interests such as easements or leases that typically convey more robust rights. Understanding this temporary nature is essential for recognizing the limitations and rights associated with licenses in real estate transactions.