Conveyances

Conveyance, in property law, is the legal process by which an ownership interest in land or other property is transferred from one person to another. The term can refer both to the act of transfer and to the instrument used to effect it. In common law jurisdictions, a conveyance is typically a deed or similar document that records the transfer and may create or pass along title, ownership of freehold or leasehold interests, or other property rights.

Conveyances may transfer title by sale, gift, exchange, or mortgage, and may also convey easements, covenants, or other encumbrances. The principal instrument is often a deed (such as a warranty deed, grant deed, or quitclaim deed), but the exact form and requirements vary by jurisdiction. A conveyance generally requires specific elements: parties to the transaction, a legal description of the property, consideration or stated purpose, a grant or transfer clause, signature by the grantor, delivery, and acceptance, with formalities such as witnessing, notarization, or registration. In many places, the conveyance must be registered in a land registry or title system to be enforceable against third parties and to pass title.

Process-wise, due diligence and title searches are commonly conducted to identify defects, liens, or encumbrances. The instrument is drafted, executed, delivered, and often stamped or taxed; subsequent registration with the relevant authority records the transfer and may trigger the issuance of a new title.

Professionals such as conveyancers or solicitors assist with preparing and examining documents, performing searches, and ensuring compliance with local law. In broader usage, conveyance can also refer to a means of transport for people or goods, though this is a separate sense from the legal concept.