What is the legal instrument used to convey title to real property?

The legal instrument used to convey title to real property is a deed. A deed is a formal document that transfers ownership of real property from one party to another. It includes essential elements such as the names of the parties involved, a clear description of the property being conveyed, the signature of the grantor, and often it requires notarization. Once executed and delivered, a deed serves to document the transfer of title and is typically recorded in the local land records office to provide public notice of the ownership change.

While leases establish an agreement between a landlord and tenant for the use of property without transferring ownership, mortgages are financial instruments used to secure a loan with real property but do not convey title. Trusts involve the management of property by one party for the benefit of another, yet they do not serve as direct mechanisms for transferring ownership of the property itself. Thus, the deed is distinctly recognized as the instrument for conveying title to real property.