Legal Description
Definition and meaning of Legal Description in real estate.
A legal description is a formal, highly specific method of identifying and locating a parcel of real estate that is recognized by courts and government agencies. It provides a precise boundary of the land that distinguishes it from all other properties in the world.
In more detail
Unlike a standard street address, which can change over time or be duplicated, a legal description is permanent and legally binding. It is used on deeds, mortgages, and title insurance policies to ensure all parties know the exact land being transferred. The three primary methods used to write a legal description in the United States are metes and bounds, the government survey system, and the lot and block system.
A surveyor is typically hired to locate the property lines based on these descriptions, which is essential during boundary disputes or new construction.
Key facts
| Category | Legal, Titles & Closing |
|---|---|
| Required by | Deeds, mortgages, and title documents to be legally valid |
| Applies to | All parcels of real estate in the United States |
| Also known as | Land description, property description |
A deed for a rural property uses a metes and bounds legal description, detailing the exact angles and distances from a starting monument to map the property lines.
Frequently asked questions
Is a mailing address the same as a legal description?
No, a mailing address is used by the postal service for delivery, whereas a legal description is a precise boundary definition used for legal deeds and records.
What are the three main types of legal descriptions?
The three main types are metes and bounds (using distances and angles), lot and block (referencing plat maps), and government survey (using townships and sections).