What is classed as a deed?

Asked by: Mr. Eleazar Hagenes  |  Last update: January 28, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (21 votes)

A deed is a formal, written legal document that transfers ownership or an interest in property (like real estate) from one party (grantor) to another (grantee), serving as official proof of title, requiring specific details like names, property description, and signatures, and must be recorded publicly to be valid and protect the new owner's rights.

What counts as a deed?

A deed is a written document which is executed with the necessary formality (that is, more than a simple signature), and by which an interest, right or property passes or is confirmed, or an obligation binding on some person is created or confirmed.

What are the 7 requirements for a deed to be valid?

A valid deed generally requires seven core elements: a competent grantor, an identifiable grantee, words of conveyance (granting clause), a clear legal description of the property, consideration (something of value), proper execution (signed by the grantor), and delivery and acceptance by the grantee, though requirements can vary slightly by jurisdiction. These components ensure the grantor intends to transfer property, identifies who gets it, specifies what it is, acknowledges an exchange, and confirms the transfer is official. 

What is a proof of deed?

In other words, the title is the proof of ownership, like a certificate, while the deed is the physical document confirming the ownership transfer, like a receipt or a key. The title establishes your rights, and the deed shows the transaction that made you the owner.

What exactly is a deed?

A deed is a legal document that officially transfers property ownership (title) from one person (grantor) to another (grantee), proving the new owner's legal rights to the asset, most commonly real estate. It's a physical record, signed and delivered, that must be recorded with the local county, containing a clear description of the property and the parties involved, making it a vital part of property transactions.
 

Title vs. Deed: Don't Get These Legal Concepts Confused!

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Who holds the deed on a house?

The homeowner holds the actual deed to their house, but the county recorder's office keeps the official, public record, and a mortgage lender (if applicable) holds a lien or the deed in trust until the loan is paid off. Once a mortgage is fully repaid, the lender releases their lien, and the homeowner receives documentation to remove it, confirming clear ownership.
 

What's more important, a deed or a title?

When you own a home, the deed is the physical document that proves ownership. The title is the concept of legal ownership that the deed grants you. You can think of the deed as the document that transfers, or passes on, the title or the right to ownership.

What is the best proof of ownership of property?

The best proof of property ownership is a recorded deed with your name on it, as it's a public record transferred at sale, but a title insurance policy (especially a Torrens certificate where available) offers the strongest legal assurance, while other documents like a will with court probate, land survey, or tax records also serve as strong evidence. The key is the legal transfer (deed) and its public recording for validity. 

What is the difference between a title and a deed?

In short, title refers to a person's legal right to the actual lawful ownership of the property, while a deed is a physical, legal document that must be signed by the grantor in order to transfer title of the property.

What are the 4 elements of a deed?

To be valid, a deed must be: (1) in writing; (2) name the grantor or the grantor's agent; (3) signed by the grantor or their agent; and (4) delivered and accepted by the grantee. (Id.) A deed must be in writing.

How do you get a deed to your house?

To get the deed to your house, contact the County Recorder's, Clerk's, or Register of Deeds office in the county where the property is located, as they maintain official records and often have online search portals to download copies, or you can request them in person, by mail, or phone for a fee; you can also check with the title company or attorney who handled your closing.
 

What three factors ensure that a deed is a good deed?

What makes a Deed good and valid?

  • Must contain the name of the person giving (Grantor) and the person receiving (Grantee).
  • Must state in the document that you are conveying/granting/quitclaiming the property.
  • Must have the correct property identification – usually the legal description or at least the property address.

How many names can go on a deed?

How Many Names Can Go On a Deed? There is no limit to the number of people who can go on a deed. If you want to include your partner's name in the deed, you will have to have a new deed if you wish to add your partner's name to the property title to make them a co-owner.

Is a deed the same as ownership?

A deed is the physical legal document that transfers property ownership, while the title is the abstract concept or legal right of ownership itself; the deed is how you get the title, and once recorded, the deed proves you hold the title, making both crucial for confirming and transferring property rights. Think of the title as the "what" (your right to own) and the deed as the "how" (the paperwork that moves that right).
 

What type of deed is most commonly used?

A warranty deed, which also may be called a general warranty deed, is the type of deed used most frequently when real property is sold. A warranty deed guarantees that the title is free and clear of debts or liens.

Does a deed need to say it's a deed?

For a document to take effect as a deed (England and Wales), it generally must: Be in writing. Make clear on its face that it is intended to be a deed – the document should say it's “executed as a deed”.

Who holds the deed to a house?

The homeowner holds the actual deed to their house, but the county recorder's office keeps the official, public record, and a mortgage lender (if applicable) holds a lien or the deed in trust until the loan is paid off. Once a mortgage is fully repaid, the lender releases their lien, and the homeowner receives documentation to remove it, confirming clear ownership.
 

Does a title supersede a deed?

Property title describes the set of rights that come with property ownership, such as the right to use a property how you please, as well as the right to sell it. In contrast, a house deed is a document that is used to transfer property title and thus proves who holds the title to a house.

What is the main purpose of a deed?

A deed transfers the title of an asset to a new owner, and it is usually recorded in the local county clerk's office. Recording is a way to protect title and ownership because it puts the public on constructive notice as to the buyer's ownership. In real estate transactions, a deed is usually delivered at closing.

What documents prove ownership of a house?

You only need to provide one of the documents listed below.

  • Deed or Official Record.
  • Mortgage documentation.
  • Homeowners insurance documentation.
  • Property tax receipt or bill.
  • Manufactured home certificate or title.
  • Home purchase contracts (e.g. Bill of Sale, Bond for Title, Land Installment Contract, etc.)

What is the ultimate proof of ownership of land?

Thus, the certificate of title becomes the best proof of ownership of a parcel of land. As registered owners of the lots in question, the respondents have a right to eject any person illegally occupying their property. This right is imprescriptible.

What is the strongest form of real property ownership?

Fee Simple Absolute Estate

It is the strongest form of ownership and nobody can possess more than a fee simple absolute interest in the land. [3] It is the most extensive interest an individual can possess.

Do I own half the house if my name is on the deeds?

Being on the deed means you legally own the property. You have the right to live in, sell, or transfer your share of the home. You are not responsible for mortgage payments unless you also signed the loan. Establishing ownership without being on the deed can be difficult and may require legal assistance.

Is a deed stronger than a will?

Deed trumps will: If a property is validly deeded to someone before your death, they own it outright, and the will's instructions are not legally binding. Wills don't avoid probate: A last will and testament guides probate but doesn't bypass it.

How do you get the deed to your property?

Here are the 5 steps to finding and obtaining the deed to your house:

  1. Check Online.
  2. Contact the County Recorder's Office.
  3. Request the Deed by Mail.
  4. Pay any associated Fees.
  5. Wait to receive the deed by mail.