A conveyance deed is any deed that transfers title in property from one person to another; a sale deed is the commonest kind, where the transfer is for a price. In everyday use the two are often the same document. In Maharashtra, "conveyance" also means the builder transferring the land and building to the housing society.
Side by side
Factor
Sale deed
Conveyance deed
Scope
Transfer for a price
Any transfer of title: sale, gift, exchange, mortgage and others
Relationship
One type of conveyance
The wider category
Registration
Compulsory
Compulsory for immovable property transfers
Stamp duty
Duty on conveyance, set by the state
Depends on the kind of transfer and the state
Housing society usage
Not used
Builder's transfer of land and building to the society (Maharashtra)
Leasehold to freehold
Not used
Authorities issue a conveyance deed on conversion
When Sale deed matters
When you buy a flat or house for a price, the document that transfers it is a sale deed.
When Conveyance deed matters
If you own a flat in a Maharashtra society, check whether the builder executed the conveyance to the society; if not, the society can seek deemed conveyance.
In more detail
Under the Maharashtra Ownership Flats Act, the builder must convey the land and building to the society or association. Where a builder fails to do so, the society can apply to the competent authority for deemed conveyance.
When a development authority converts leasehold property to freehold, it issues a conveyance deed to the owner; see the freehold and leasehold guide.
Common questions
Is a conveyance deed the same as a sale deed?
A sale deed is a kind of conveyance deed. All sale deeds are conveyances; not all conveyances are sales.
What is deemed conveyance?
In Maharashtra, an order by the competent authority transferring land and building to a society when the builder has not executed the conveyance.
Does a conveyance deed need to be registered?
Yes, a deed transferring immovable property must be registered under the Registration Act.
Sources
Transfer of Property Act, 1882
Registration Act, 1908, section 17
Maharashtra Ownership Flats Act, 1963, section 11
A plain-language summary, not legal or tax advice. Rules set by states differ and change; check the current position for your property.