Also called: Title chain, Flow of title, Link documents
The unbroken sequence of documents showing how ownership passed from one owner to the next, up to the present seller. A gap is a warning sign.
How it works and what to check
Lawyers commonly trace title back about 30 years, sometimes more, through sale deeds, gift deeds, partitions, wills and court orders, and check each link was properly executed, stamped and registered.
Gaps happen when a transfer was never registered, an heir did not sign, or a power of attorney was used to 'sell'. These are expensive to fix after you buy.
Common questions
How many years of title should be checked?
Commonly 30 years, though lenders and lawyers may ask for more or less depending on the property.
What breaks a chain of title?
An unregistered transfer, a missing heir's consent, a forged document, or a sale through a power of attorney that does not transfer title.