landtitle

Landtitle, commonly written as land title, is the legal concept and official record that establishes and authenticates ownership of a parcel of real property. It represents the owner's bundle of rights and is typically evidenced by a title deed or certificate recorded in a government registry or land registry.

A title record may also disclose encumbrances that affect ownership, such as mortgages, liens, easements, covenants, and restrictions. The title serves as evidence of who holds the rights to the property and of any claims or limits on those rights. A title search or title examination is performed to verify ownership, trace the chain of transfer, and identify any defects before a transaction, such as a sale or mortgage, is completed.

Titles come in various forms depending on jurisdiction and the type of ownership, including fee simple (the broadest ownership interest), life estate, joint Tenancy, and tenancy in common. Different land-registration systems govern how titles are created and protected. The Torrens system, used in some jurisdictions, guarantees indefeasible title upon registration, while deed registration records transfers and relies on examining the chain of title. Civil-law countries may use notarial acts or other forms of recording.

Clouds on title—defects or competing claims—can hinder transfers. Remedies include title clearance, quiet title actions, or title insurance. Title insurance protects buyers and lenders against losses from title defects not found in public records.

In practice, conveyancing involves examining the title, resolving defects, securing financing, and recording the transfer to provide legal certainty of ownership.