Which type of real estate documentation details a property's ownership history?

The documentation that details a property's ownership history is the abstract of title. An abstract of title is a comprehensive summary that compiles all of the recorded legal documents affecting a specific parcel of land. This includes deeds, mortgages, wills, court judgments, and any other documents that establish the chain of ownership for the property.

The purpose of an abstract of title is to provide a clear and concise history of ownership, facilitating the determination of the current ownership status and any encumbrances that may affect the property. This information is critical for potential buyers, sellers, and lenders when assessing the title's validity and deciding whether to engage in a real estate transaction.

While other documents mentioned, such as a title insurance policy, provide important protections based on the title's status, they do not directly outline the historical ownership. Property tax records focus on the tax obligations tied to the property, and a survey report provides information on the property boundaries and improvements but does not delve into ownership history. Thus, the abstract of title is the most relevant document for understanding a property's ownership history.