If a buyer moves into the property on November 18, when did they legally take title to the property?

The legal transfer of title to a property occurs upon the delivery of the deed. This is a critical moment in real estate transactions, as it signifies that the seller has formally transferred their ownership rights to the buyer. The deed must be executed and delivered to the buyer, which includes both the physical act of handing over the deed and the intention to transfer ownership.

The act of moving into the property does not necessarily equate to taking legal title. The buyer’s occupancy on November 18 signifies they are in possession of the property, but ownership has not yet legally transferred until the deed is delivered. Recording the deed is also an important step, as it serves to publicly document the change in ownership, but it does not establish title transfer; it is merely an administrative action that follows the delivery of the deed. Therefore, the correct understanding is that legal title is taken when the deed is delivered to the buyer.