Which document is primarily used to formally transfer ownership of real property?

The deed is the primary document used to formally transfer ownership of real property. It serves as the legal instrument through which the seller (grantor) conveys their interest in the property to the buyer (grantee). The deed must be executed in accordance with state laws, which typically include requirements for the signature of the grantor and sometimes the grantee, as well as the presence of witnesses or a notary public.

In the context of real estate transactions, the deed not only identifies the parties involved but also details the property being transferred, often using legal descriptions to ensure clarity. Once the deed is delivered and accepted, it is recorded in the local land records, which provides public notice of the change in ownership.

Other options, although related to real estate, serve different purposes. A lease is a contractual agreement to use and occupy property for a specified period without conveying ownership. The title refers to the legal right to own and use the property but does not itself transfer ownership; it is more about the rights associated with property ownership. A mortgage is a financial agreement where property is used as collateral for a loan, which does not involve the actual transfer of ownership but rather secures the lender's interest in the property until the loan is repaid.