What characterizes a deed of gift?

A deed of gift is specifically characterized by conveying property without any consideration, meaning that the transfer of ownership occurs without the exchange of money or other compensation. The essence of a deed of gift is the intention to provide the property as a gift, signifying a voluntary transfer from the grantor to the recipient. This lack of consideration differentiates a deed of gift from other types of deeds, which typically involve a sale or transfer for value.

In terms of additional context, a deed of gift typically does not need to be recorded to be valid, although recording can provide protection against future claims. The grantor also does not retain rights to the property once the gift is made, which contrasts with other types of deeds that may allow the grantor to reserve certain rights. Thus, the defining characteristic of a deed of gift is indeed its conveyance of property without expecting anything in return.