Land records · Parcel maps · October 6, 2026
What Is a Granting Clause in a Deed?
What is a granting clause? The words in a deed that transfer property, such as "grant, bargain, sell and convey," naming the parties and deed type.
What is a granting clause? The granting clause is the part of a deed that contains the words of conveyance, the language that actually transfers ownership from the grantor to the grantee. Typical phrases include “grant, bargain, sell, and convey,” “convey and warrant,” or “remise, release, and quitclaim.” The words used often signal the type of deed and what warranties, if any, the grantor gives. A deed without effective words of conveyance may fail to transfer title. This page is general land-records background, not legal advice.
What a granting clause includes
- Grantor’s name.
- Words of conveyance.
- Grantee’s name.
- Reference to consideration, in many deeds.
- Reference to the legal description that follows.
Words of conveyance and deed types
| Phrase | Typical deed type |
|---|---|
| “Grant, bargain, sell, and convey” | Warranty or bargain and sale deed |
| “Convey and warrant” | General warranty deed in some states |
| “Grant” | Grant deed in some states |
| “Remise, release, and quitclaim” | Quitclaim deed |
The exact effect depends on state statutes. In some states, certain words imply specific warranties. See what is a warranty deed and what is a quitclaim deed.
Granting clause vs habendum
The granting clause transfers the property; the habendum clause describes the estate granted. See what is a habendum clause.
Reservations and exceptions
The granting clause or nearby text may include reservations, such as keeping mineral rights or an easement, and exceptions, such as excluding part of the land. These are important to notice when reading a deed.
Who is grantor and grantee
The clause clarifies which party gives and which receives. See grantor vs grantee.
Defects
Missing or unclear words of conveyance, wrong names, or mismatched grantors can create title problems. Corrective deeds may be needed.
Statutory forms
Many states have statutory deed forms with standard granting language. Using the correct form helps ensure the deed has the intended effect.
Reading it step by step
When reviewing a granting clause, first confirm the grantor names match the names in the previous deed into them. Next, identify the words of conveyance and what deed type they suggest. Then check the grantee names and any statement of how they take title. Finally, read the text following the clause for reservations, exceptions, and the legal description. If the grantor’s name differs from the prior deed because of marriage or a typo, look for an explanatory statement, such as “formerly known as.”
Example
A typical clause might read: “Jane Doe, a single woman, for and in consideration of ten dollars and other good and valuable consideration, does hereby grant, bargain, sell, and convey to John Roe and Mary Roe, husband and wife, as tenants by the entirety, the following described real estate.” Each part names a party, the consideration, the conveyance, or the vesting.
Bottom line
The granting clause contains the words that transfer property, names the grantor and grantee, and often signals the deed type and warranties. It may include reservations or exceptions. Read it carefully, along with the habendum clause. Find county recorders via the Platbookmapper map.
What is a granting clause FAQ
What are words of conveyance?
The words in a deed that transfer ownership, such as “grant” or “convey.”
Does the granting clause determine the deed type?
Often; the words used can imply warranties under state law.
What does “remise, release, and quitclaim” mean?
Quitclaim language transferring whatever interest the grantor has, without warranties.
Can a deed transfer property without a granting clause?
Effective words of conveyance are generally needed.
Where are mineral reservations in a deed?
Often near the granting clause or legal description.