The document through which the current owner holds the property: usually a registered sale deed, but also a gift, partition or release deed, a will with probate or a court decree.
How it works and what to check
'Title deed' is not one document type but whichever registered document made the current owner the owner. Banks keep the original while a home loan is outstanding.
A buyer looks at the title deed and the earlier deeds behind it, the chain of title, to confirm the seller has the right to sell.
Common questions
Is the sale deed the title deed?
For a property bought by sale, yes. For inherited or gifted property, the title deed is the will and probate, partition deed or gift deed.
Who keeps the title deed during a home loan?
The lender usually keeps the original until the loan is repaid.