What is a fundamental requirement for a deed to be considered valid?

A deed is a legal document used to transfer property ownership, and for it to be valid, it must meet certain criteria. One of the fundamental requirements is that it must be in writing. This requirement is based on the Statute of Frauds, a legal principle that mandates certain types of agreements, including those involving real estate, to be documented in writing to be enforceable. Oral agreements regarding the transfer of property do not hold up in court, which is why a written deed is essential.

While notarization, witness signatures, and filing requirements add layers of validity and may be necessary in various jurisdictions, they are not universally mandated for the deed itself to hold legal standing. The primacy of a written document ensures that there is a tangible record of the transaction that can be referenced in the event of disputes, thus upholding the integrity of property transfers.