How many years must an unbroken chain of title be established to create a marketable record title in South Dakota?

To establish a marketable record title in South Dakota, a property must have an unbroken chain of title for a period of 22 years. This requirement is designed to ensure that clear and marketable ownership can be established, reducing the risk of disputes over property rights. The 22-year timeframe allows for sufficient time to elapse since the last recorded interest, effectively allowing any potential claims by prior owners to be barred unless they have been continuously maintained in the public record.

The importance of this timeframe lies in the principle of providing certainty and protecting current property owners from historical claims that are no longer relevant. By adhering to a specified duration like 22 years, the law aims to balance the interests of existing property owners with those who may have had prior claims, facilitating easier transfers and sales of property within the South Dakota real estate market.