What is the term for a written instrument that transfers ownership of property?

The term that refers to a written instrument transferring ownership of property is "conveyance." Conveyance documents, such as deeds, are essential in real estate transactions as they detail the transfer of interest or title from one party to another. This legal transfer process ensures that ownership rights are clearly stated and officially recognized, establishing a new owner’s legal claim to the property.

In real estate practice, understanding the concept of conveyance is crucial for land surveyors, as they may need to assess property boundaries and rights based on these legal documents. This understanding helps in ensuring accurate surveys and compliance with property laws.

The other terms listed do not relate to the transfer of property ownership. For instance, encroachment refers to an intrusion on someone's property, deficiency generally pertains to a shortfall, often in a financial context, and bounds refer to the limits or boundaries of a property rather than the act of transferring ownership.