Abstract: The causal and abstract transfer theories regarding the transfer of ownership and other real rights developed in the 19th century. Before this time, from the medieval glossators to the 18th century, there were no consistent transfer theories at all. Legal history shows that a middle position between abstract and causal is possible. This perspective may be important when harmonisation of European property law forces us to opt for a harmonised transfer system: the choice is not confined to either causal or abstract but may cover midway solutions as well.
European Review of Private Law