What is the transfer of ownership to real property known as?

The term that describes the transfer of ownership to real property is commonly referred to as alienation. Alienation encompasses the various ways in which an individual can transfer their interest in property to another party. This includes sales, gifts, and inherited property transfers.

Understanding alienation is crucial as it relates to both voluntary actions, such as selling or donating property, and involuntary actions, like foreclosure or eminent domain where the government takes property for public use. The laws governing alienation help ensure that such transfers occur in a legally recognized manner and protect the rights of all parties involved.

In the context of real estate transactions, it is important to differentiate alienation from other terms related to property transfer. While "conveyance" specifically refers to the legal process of transferring title through a deed, it is a subset of alienation. Similarly, "disposal" typically implies throwing away or losing something, which does not accurately capture the intention behind real estate transfer. The term "transfer" is broader and may refer to any handover of property rights without the specificity that alienation encompasses.

Recognizing the nuances of these terms helps real estate professionals communicate effectively and understand the various legal implications involved in property transactions.