What type of deed provides the greatest protection to the buyer?

A general warranty deed provides the greatest protection to the buyer because it guarantees that the seller holds clear title to the property and has the right to sell it. This type of deed includes several important covenants or promises, including the covenant of seisin (the seller is the rightful owner), the covenant against encumbrances (the property is free from liens or mortgages), and the covenant of quiet enjoyment (the buyer will not be disturbed by claims against the title).

These assurances essentially protect the buyer against future claims to the property and provide recourse if any issues arise related to the title after the sale. This level of assurance is not provided with a special warranty deed, which only protects against issues that arose during the time the seller owned the property. Similarly, a quitclaim deed offers no warranties at all, merely transferring whatever interest the seller may have without guarantees. A statutory deed may offer some protections, but generally does not provide the same comprehensive coverage as a general warranty deed. Thus, the general warranty deed is the strongest option for safeguarding a buyer's investment in real estate.