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

Sales-To-New-Listings Ratio (SNLR)

The Sales-To-New-Listings Ratio (SNLR) is a real estate metric that compares the number of homes sold to the number of new listings in a given period.. more

Market Type

Market type refers to the classification of a real estate market based on supply, demand, and pricing trends, typically categorized as buyer’s,. more

Outparcels

Outparcels are stand-alone commercial properties located near or on the outer edge of a larger retail or shopping centre complex.. more

Halo Effect

The halo effect in real estate refers to the positive influence that a popular or high-end development has on the surrounding property values and. more

Sump Pump

A sump pump is a mechanical device installed in the lowest part of a basement or crawl space to remove accumulated water and prevent flooding.. more

Structural Integrity

Structural integrity refers to a building’s ability to withstand its intended loads without failure, deformation, or collapse during its lifecycle.. more

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