abstract of title
Written details of the
title deeds
and documents that prove an owner's right to dispose of his land or an interest in this. An abstract generally deals only with the
legal estate
and any equitable interests that are not
overreached
. An owner usually supplies an abstract of title before
completion
to an intending purchaser or mortgagee, who compares it with the original title deeds when these are produced or handed over on completion of the transaction. An abstract of title to registered land consists of
office
copies of the entries in the register (together with an
authority
to inspect the register) and details of any other documents necessary to prove the owner's ...