What is the term for evidence of the legal right to own and possess property?

The term for evidence of the legal right to own and possess property is "title." Title represents the legal framework that establishes ownership and conveys rights to the property. It indicates that a person has the right to sell, lease, or use the property as they see fit, subject to any applicable laws or restrictions.

In real estate transactions, establishing clear title is crucial, as it assures buyers and lenders that the seller has the legal right to transfer ownership and that there are no outstanding claims against the property. Title can be evidenced through a title deed or title insurance, which protects against potential legal disputes over ownership.

The other terms relate to different concepts within property ownership. A chain of title refers to the historical record of ownership of a property, detailing how ownership has changed hands over time. Adverse possession is a legal doctrine that allows someone to claim ownership of land under certain conditions, despite not holding title. Accretion involves the gradual accumulation of land through natural processes, such as sediment deposition. While all these terms are important in real estate, title specifically speaks to the legal right to own and possess a property.