Real estate conveyances in Massachusetts are governed under Massachusetts General Laws Chapters 183 and 184. While the statutes do not specifically mention grant deeds, they are still useful for conveying title to real property in the state.

A grant deed transfers the right, title, and interest in real estate from the grantor (seller) to the grantee (buyer). Grant deeds typically include explicit covenants that the grantor is seized of, or owns, the land granted, has the right to convey the land, and that the deed discloses every lien or encumbrance associated with the property.

In addition to meeting all state and local standards for recorded documents, a lawful deed identifies each grantor and grantee by name, address, and marital status (G.L.c. 183 sec. 6). State law requires that all land records contain information on how the grantee will hold title (G.L.c. 184 sec. 7). For Massachusetts residential property, the primary methods for holding title are tenancy in common, joint tenancy, and tenancy by the entirety. A grant of ownership of real estate to two or more persons, regardless of marital status, is presumed to create a tenancy in common, unless the deed expressly states otherwise (G.L.c. 184 sec. 7).

As with any conveyance of real estate, a grant deed requires a complete legal description of the parcel. The deed must state the amount of the full consideration, or the total price paid by the grantee for the transfer (G.L.c. 183 sec. 6). Based on the consideration paid, the seller pays an excise tax (also known as a transfer tax or stamp tax) to the Registry of Deeds' office (G.L.c. 64D sec. 1,2).

Record the completed deed at the local County Registry of Deeds office. Some counties (Berkshire, Bristol, Essex, Middlesex, Worcester) are split into two or more recording districts. Make sure to record the deed in the correct recording district. If the deed pertains to registered land, submit the deed to the Registry District of the Land Court. Include all relevant affidavits, forms, and fees along with the deed for recording. For guidance related to supplemental documentation, speak with the local Registry of Deeds office.

This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice. Contact a lawyer with questions about grant deeds or transfers of real property in Massachusetts.

(Massachusetts GD Package includes form, guidelines, and completed example)

How to Use This Form

Select your county from the list above
Download the county-specific form
Fill in the required information
Have the document notarized if required
Record with your county recorder's office

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Common Uses for Grant Deed

Transfer property to avoid probate
Transfer property to an LLC or corporation
Add or remove a name from a property title
Transfer property held in joint tenancy
Add a spouse to a property title after marriage

Compare other Massachusetts deed forms and documents

Quitclaim Deed Quitclaim Deed with Covenants Gift Deed Warranty Deed Correction Deed Easement Deed Termination of Easement General Durable Power of Attorney Specific Durable Power of Attorney for the Sale of Real Property Specific Durable Power of Attorney for the Purchase of Real Property Mortgage Deed and Promissory Note Discharge of Mortgage Assignment of Mortgage Memorandum of Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Real Estate Full Release of Memorandum of Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Real Estate Disclaimer of Interest Trustee Deed Personal Representative Deed of Sale Personal Representative Deed of Distribution Notice of Contract Notice of Identification Statement of Account Notice of Termination Notice of Substantial Completion Bond for Written Contract Dissolution by Bond Dissolution of Lien Contractor Partial Waiver and Subordination of Lien Contractor Full Conditional Lien Waiver Subcontractor Partial Waiver and Subordination of Lien Subcontractor Full Conditional Lien Waiver Estate Tax Affidavit Trustee Certificate

Important: County-Specific Forms

Our grant deed forms are specifically formatted for each county in Massachusetts.

After selecting your county, you'll receive forms that meet all local recording requirements, ensuring your documents will be accepted without delays or rejection fees.

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