MUST READ: Is The Housing Crisis A Generational Opportunity?

Legal Title

Understand legal title in Canadian real estate—how it confirms ownership, differs from equitable title, and supports secure property transactions.

Legal Title

May 29, 2025


What is Legal Title?

Legal title is the formal ownership of property recognized by law, granting the holder the right to transfer, sell, or mortgage the asset.

Why Legal Title Matters in Real Estate

In Canadian real estate, legal title is recorded in the provincial land registry or land titles system. It represents official ownership and is required for property transactions, mortgage registration, and estate planning.


Legal title holders can:
Transfer or sell the property
Register mortgages or liens
Appear on title documents and tax records


Legal title is distinct from equitable title, which refers to a buyer’s interest under a purchase agreement before closing. Ensuring legal title is clear and undisputed is a key step in any transaction.

Example of Legal Title

After closing, the buyer’s lawyer registers the deed, transferring legal title from the seller and making the buyer the official owner.

Key Takeaways

  • Grants full legal ownership of property.
  • Required for transfer and registration.
  • Distinct from equitable title.
  • Verified through the land registry.
  • Essential for all real estate transactions.

Related Terms

Additional Terms

Construction Loan

A construction loan is a short-term, interim financing option used to fund the building or major renovation of a property, with funds disbursed in. more

Certificate of Occupancy

A certificate of occupancy is an official document issued by a municipal authority confirming that a building complies with applicable codes and is. more

Bylaw Variance

A bylaw variance is official permission granted by a municipal authority allowing a property owner to deviate from local zoning or building bylaw. more

Absorption Rate

Absorption rate is a metric that measures the rate at which available properties are sold or leased in a specific market over a given period.. more

Corporate Restructuring

Corporate restructuring refers to the reorganization of a company’s operations, assets, or liabilities, often under court supervision, to improve. more

Consumer Proposal

A consumer proposal is a formal, legally binding agreement in Canada between an individual and their creditors to repay a portion of their debt over. more

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