Deed
A formal written document that is signed, witnessed, and delivered — required for transactions where no consideration passes, such as a gift of land.
Definition
A deed is a special type of legal document that is more formal and more powerful than an ordinary contract. Under the <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1989/34/section/1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Law of Property (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1989, s.1</a>, a deed made by an individual must: (1) make clear on its face that it is intended to be a deed (using words such as "executed as a deed" or "signed, sealed and delivered"); (2) be signed by the maker in the presence of a witness who also signs; and (3) be delivered — meaning the maker indicates they are bound by it (usually automatically on signing). Companies execute deeds under the <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/46/section/44" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Companies Act 2006, s.44</a>, which requires two authorised signatories or a director and witness. Deeds are required by law for certain transactions: transferring land or an interest in land (including a lease of more than three years); granting a power of attorney; and making certain statutory declarations. A deed takes effect without consideration — you cannot challenge a deed merely because no money changed hands, unlike an ordinary contract.
In practice
You will encounter deeds mainly in property transactions: the transfer deed (Form TR1) used to convey registered land, the mortgage deed, and lease deeds for longer tenancies. When you buy a home, the conveyancing solicitor drafts and arranges execution of the TR1 — never sign a property deed without understanding what it says, and never sign as a witness unless you are physically present when the deed is signed. See the <a href="/glossary/power-of-attorney" class="body-link">power of attorney glossary entry</a> and the <a href="/articles/buying-a-home-legal-process" class="body-link">home buying legal process article</a> for related contexts.