What is the only legally necessary clause required in a deed?

The granting clause is the legally necessary component of a deed because it explicitly conveys the grantor's intention to transfer ownership of the property to the grantee. This clause typically includes the words "grant," "give," or "convey," indicating a clear and unequivocal transfer of interests in the property. Without this clause, the deed may not be considered valid, as it fails to establish the essential elements of the property exchange.

Other clauses, such as the habendum clause, recital clause, and witness clause, may add details or further clarify the nature of the transfer, but they are not strictly required for the validity of a deed. For example, the habendum clause clarifies the type of estate being granted and the rights associated with it. The recital clause provides background information about the property or the context of the transfer, while the witness clause pertains to the signing formalities, which vary by jurisdiction. However, the absence of these additional clauses does not undermine the core function of the granting clause.