I’ve wondered for a long time why I don’t have an actual title to my property. It came up recently as a “what to do with investment” convo. People say to invest in property (or silver or crypto or...). It got me thinking again and wondering if real estate really is a good investment.

A deed is a record of the transfer of title (ownership) of property. This is the thing that gets recorded with the county where you live (in the US). I guess we’re supposed to get a copy of this but I can’t find one. Presumably you can get one from the county. Supposedly this proves that you have title to the property, except that you don’t. The title is not a real thing. It’s a list of “entitlements” that you get: can live there, can throw other people out etc., but is subject to taxes eminent domain, homeowner assn. rules and so forth. Title insurance is what you get from the title company who did a “title search” to see if there are encumbrances or liens. So you have a “clear title.” Lots of mumbo jumbo for a thing that doesn’t actually exist (the title).

There is something called an allodial title, which is an actual title of ownership. In England, only the Queen can hold allodial title (Crown Property). Other “titles” are called “fee simple” (or non-existant?). It seems to me that the state actually owns the land and we “rent” it (taxes). If you have an allodial title, you own it unencumbered and it cannot be taxed!!!! There’s fuckery here. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allodial_title

https://stillnessinthestorm.com/2014/05/do-you-own-your-own-property-allodia/

You can’t get an allodial title in my state but you can in a few others. Does anyone know anything about this?