What type of covenant ensures ownership of the property sold without encumbrances?

The general warranty covenant provides the strongest assurance to the buyer by guaranteeing that the seller holds clear title to the property and has the legal right to convey it. This type of covenant assures the buyer that the property is free from any encumbrances, such as liens or claims, that could affect ownership. It covers the entire history of the title, meaning that if any issues arise regarding title defects or encumbrances that occurred before the sale, the seller is responsible for resolving them. This level of protection is significant for buyers, as it provides comprehensive security and confidence in their ownership rights.

In contrast, the special warranty covenant only guarantees the title against defects that may have occurred during the seller's period of ownership, thus providing less protection compared to the general warranty. The bargain and sale covenant indicates that the seller has rights to the property but does not provide any warranties against encumbrances. A quitclaim covenant offers no warranties regarding the title; instead, it only transfers whatever interest the seller may have, which may be very limited and does not assure the buyer of clear ownership.