TitleHomebuying Glossary
Chain of Title
The complete historical record of everyone who has owned a property, in order.
In plain English
Chain of title traces a property's ownership from the earliest recorded owner up to the current seller, documenting each transfer along the way. A complete, unbroken chain is what a title search aims to confirm.
Why it matters
A gap or inconsistency in the chain of title is exactly the kind of issue that can delay closing until it's legally resolved.
Related terms
Not sure where this fits in your process?
Answer a few questions and get a personalized homebuying roadmap — where you are now, what comes next, and which terms like this one matter at each step.
Start your roadmap