Definition of "Property Title"

The term “property title” is relatively common and often used in the real estate industry, which is why it’s useful to know what it really means. While the term itself is known, it is also confused with “property deed” but they are not interchangeable. So what is a property title? 

The definition of property title is the legal right of ownership by an individual or party of a property that is either owned or partially owned. This legal right is not only evidence of ownership and lawful possession, but it also lays down the rights other people have that share ownership of the property in regards to the way the property is used, sold, or modified.

Property title can be about ownership, occupation, or possession, along with the right of possession. The most common types of titles are personal property titles and real property titles, and we’ll look at each of them.

Personal Property Title

The meaning of personal property title is an individual’s right of ownership over things that are not real property. These are movable personal property, and it isn’t generally taxed. Personal property can be corporeal (jewelry, animals, merchandise) or incorporeal (patents, copyrights, stocks, bonds).

Real Property Titles

Unlike personal property, real property, as it refers to cars and real estate, comes with a title that shows ownership. In case the real property is sold, the title is reassigned to the new owner. The real property that is sold must be owned entirely by the seller and not extending to a credit line.

Types of Real Estate Titles

There are several types of real estate titles, some of which might be familiar to you or at least sound familiar even if you’re unaware of what they meant. We’ll take a look at them and explain everything.

 

  • Tenancy in common - When two or more people share a real estate, each holds a “tenants in common” title for their part of the property
  • Tenants by entirety - When a married couple shares a real estate, the real estate title is shared by the two. Upon death, the remaining spouse gets the whole title.
  • Joint tenancy - When two or more people share a real estate, each having equal rights over the property.
  • Community property - A property purchased during marriage is split between the two spouses, each having the right to sell or transfer their half of the property to another.

 

  • Sole ownership - one individual or business is holding the real property title.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

Tax concept whereby income not actually received is considered to be constructively received by a taxpayer and thus must be reported. An example is a bond interest coupon. The interest is ...

Document describing the benefits and provisions for people or businesses covered by group insurance. Document in life and health insurance issued to a member of a group insurance plan ...

Warranties issued by contractors, sellers, and real estate agencies that protect home buyers from specified defects in a house as per the contract. ...

A property owner who lives in the property he also leases or rent to others. For example, John owns a two-family house. He lives in one side of the house and rents out the other side to the ...

Government official who values real estate property for tax purposes and ascertains the annual property tax assessments that must be collected. ...

We call a concept ostensible when, at first sight, it appears to be accurate or valid. However, upon closer inspection, it proves to be a half-truth or completely false. For instance, Dale ...

A map that shows land elevations. ...

Latin for pending the suit. A suit which is actually in progress and the outcome is pending. ...

The definition of a testator in real estate is an individual who makes or leaves a valid will detailing how their possessions are to be divided or distributed among their heirs. The ...

Popular Real Estate Questions