Land Registry

Learn what a land registry is in Canadian real estate, how it functions, and why it’s essential for confirming ownership and legal property rights.

Land Registry

May 22, 2025


What is a Land Registry?

A land registry is the official government system that records and maintains information about property ownership, boundaries, legal interests, and encumbrances.

Why Land Registries Matter in Real Estate

In Canadian real estate, every province operates its own land registry or land titles system. These records are used to verify who legally owns a property and to disclose any liens, easements, or mortgages registered against it.

Land registries support:
  • Title transfers
  • Mortgage registration and discharge
  • Title insurance underwriting
  • Legal protection of ownership rights

Buyers, lawyers, and lenders rely on land registry searches to confirm title validity before closing. Fees may apply to register or retrieve records.

Understanding land registries ensures accurate ownership documentation and helps prevent fraud or legal disputes.

Example of a Land Registry in Action

Before closing, the buyer’s lawyer reviews the land registry to confirm the seller is the legal owner and that the property is free of liens.

Key Takeaways

  • Government-managed record of property ownership.
  • Confirms legal title and encumbrances.
  • Used in all transactions and financing.
  • Essential for title security.
  • Varies by province.

Related Terms

Additional Terms

Public Realm Improvements

Public realm improvements are enhancements to public spaces such as sidewalks, parks, plazas, and streetscapes, often funded or contributed by. more

Mortgagee in Possession

A mortgagee in possession is a lender who takes control of a property after borrower default, but before foreclosure or power of sale. The lender. more

Lease Surrender Agreement

A lease surrender agreement is a negotiated contract between a landlord and tenant that ends a lease before its scheduled expiration. Terms may. more

Green Infrastructure

Green infrastructure refers to natural or engineered systems that manage stormwater, reduce heat, and improve sustainability in developments.. more

Escrow Holdback

An escrow holdback is a portion of funds withheld at closing and held in escrow until specific conditions are met, such as completion of repairs,. more

Underused Housing Tax

The Underused Housing Tax (UHT) is a federal annual 1% tax on the value of vacant or underused residential property owned by non-resident,. more

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