What does the covenant of seisin assure the grantee?

The covenant of seisin is a promise made by the grantor in a deed that assures the grantee that the grantor has ownership of the property and the legal right to convey it. This covenant ensures that the property is indeed owned by the grantor, which includes a guarantee that there are no encumbrances, except those specifically noted in the deed.

This means that if a grantee receives a property with the covenant of seisin, they can be confident that there are no undisclosed liens or claims against the property that could affect their ownership, except for any specifically mentioned in the deed. This assurance is critical because it protects the grantee’s interest in the property by affirming their entitlement to it free from any unknown legal issues or restrictions, beyond what has been disclosed.

Understanding this covenant is vital in real estate transactions, as it directly impacts the security of the ownership rights being transferred.