Title is the legal concept of ownership of real property. Holding title means possessing the bundle of rights associated with a property, including the right to use it, exclude others, and transfer it to someone else.
Title is distinct from the deed, which is the physical document that conveys title from one party to another. During a sale, a title search examines public records to confirm the seller has clear ownership and to uncover any liens, easements, or other claims that could affect the buyer's rights.
A clear or marketable title, free of undisclosed defects, is essential to a clean transaction. How buyers hold title, such as jointly or as tenants in common, has important legal and estate implications and is often chosen with professional advice.