Eigentumskette

Eigentumskette, or chain of ownership, is the chronological sequence of legal owners or possessors of a property or asset, from the initial owner to the current holder. The chain serves to establish and verify title, rights of use, and transfer history. It helps determine legal ownership in disputes and underpins transactions, financing, and liability.

In Germany, for real property ownership is recorded in the Grundbuch. A transfer of ownership requires an agreement (Einigung) and a declaration of transfer (Auflassung) followed by registration in the Grundbuch. Each step creates a link in the Eigentumskette, and the Grundbuchauszug documents the current owner and previous entries, enabling traceability of the title. For movable property, the chain may rely on possession, delivery, and appropriate documentation such as bills of sale, certificates of title, or registrations (for vehicles, ships, or securities). For shares, ownership is evidenced in share registers and transfer records.

The integrity of the Eigentumskette is important for risk assessment in lending, sale, and inheritance. Gaps or irregularities in the chain can cast doubt on good title and may require clarification, correction, or legal action. In practice, due diligence involves confirming each link: the sequence of prior owners, dates of transfer, and proper registrations or deeds. Modern registries and, in some contexts, digital ledgers and blockchain technologies aim to improve the reliability and accessibility of ownership chains.