Which type of clause protects the lender if the property is sold or transferred?

The alienation clause is designed specifically to protect the lender in the event that the property is sold or transferred. This clause allows the lender to declare the entire loan balance due immediately if the borrower transfers the property without the lender's consent. This provision is particularly important to lenders because it ensures they maintain control over who owns the property securing the loan and can reassess their risk if the original borrower is no longer the owner.

In a scenario where property ownership changes hands, the alienation clause helps the lender avoid potential issues with the new owner, who may not be as financially reliable or may not adhere to the terms of the original loan agreement. This element of safeguarding the lender's interest is crucial in real estate financing.

The other clauses mentioned serve different purposes: the acceleration clause allows the lender to demand full repayment of the loan under certain circumstances, the subordination clause alters the priority of liens on the property, and the defeasance clause relates to the satisfaction of a mortgage upon repayment. Each of these plays a distinct role in real estate transactions and lender protections, but the alienation clause is specifically geared towards managing the consequences of a property sale or transfer.