Is in writing (traditionally on paper, parchment or vellum, but now permissible in electronic form in certain jurisdictions).

Is signed and sealed by the party incurring a liability under the deed.

Is delivered to, or for the benefit of, the party to whom the liability has been incurred. In practice, delivery consists of words or conduct indicating that the party incurring the liability intended the document to be a deed and to be bound by its terms.

Transfers an interest in property, or creates a right or an obligation, or confirms an act pursuant to which an interest in property has already passed or pursuant to which a right or obligation is created.

A deed does not require the parties to provide valuable consideration to each other to be effective.

A deed can be given by a single party unilaterally (a deed poll).

A deed can become binding on a party immediately after that party executes and delivers the deed, even if any other parties have not yet done so.

The statutory limitation period in each jurisdiction for actions brought under a deed is much longer than that for actions brought under simple contracts.

Practice note, Execution of deeds, agreements and other transactional documents: general principles: Deeds (or specialties): key principles.

Practice note, Execution of deeds and documents by companies registered under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).

Toolkit, Execution of deeds, agreements and documents.