In relation to real estate or mortgage contracts, abeyance is an indefinite legal status of real estate (property) title when the true owner is not known or still needs to be determined. Property is held in abeyance until the lawful owner is identified (i.e., the determination of the owner is pending). The right to the ownership of a property, title or office is suspended. Abeyance is a situation in which the right to own a property or title is not vested in any person or party. The right is suspended or held in abeyance until the true owner is determined.

When the ownership of a property or title are being claimed but the claim cannot be validated, such property will be held in abeyance pending identification of the owner. In general, abeyance is the suspension or cessation of right to ownership.