What type of legal document is used for transferring ownership of real property?

The correct choice for transferring ownership of real property is a deed. A deed is a formal legal document that conveys title from one person or entity to another. It typically includes a description of the property, the names of the grantor (the current owner) and grantee (the new owner), as well as any conditions of the transfer. Execution of a deed usually requires it to be signed and often notarized, and in many jurisdictions, the deed must be recorded in the county where the property is located to provide public notice of the ownership change.

While a lease agreement pertains to rental arrangements rather than ownership transfer, a contract for sale may outline the terms of the transfer but does not itself transfer ownership until the deed is executed. A mortgage is a type of security interest encumbering the property to secure a loan, but it does not convey ownership; instead, it gives the lender the right to take possession should the borrower fail to repay the loan.

Thus, a deed is distinctly designed to achieve the legal transfer of property rights, making it the correct answer in this context.