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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

Land Banking

Gentrification is the process by which a traditionally lower-income neighbourhood undergoes revitalization and attracts higher-income residents,. more

Land Assembly

Land assembly is the process of acquiring and consolidating multiple adjacent parcels of land under one ownership, typically for redevelopment or. more

Joint Venture

A joint venture in real estate is a partnership between two or more parties to develop, own, or operate a property or project, sharing risks, costs,. more

Infill Development

Infill development is the process of building new housing, commercial buildings, or amenities on vacant or underutilized land within existing urban areas.. more

Inclusionary Zoning

Inclusionary zoning is a municipal planning tool that requires or incentivizes developers to include a percentage of affordable housing units in new. more

Impact Fees

Impact fees are charges levied by municipalities on new developments to offset the cost of additional public infrastructure and services required by. more

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