Lis Pendens
Understand lis pendens in Canadian real estate — what it is, how it affects title, and why it matters in property transactions.

August 08, 2025
What is Lis Pendens?
Lis pendens is a legal notice filed in the land registry indicating that a property is subject to ongoing litigation that may affect its title.
Why Lis Pendens Matters in Real Estate
In Canadian real estate, lis pendens warns potential buyers or lenders of legal disputes that could impact property ownership.
Key points:
- Recorded in the land registry during litigation
- Clouds title and can hinder sales or financing
- Can be removed if litigation is resolved or dismissed
Understanding lis pendens helps parties assess risk in property transactions.
Example of Lis Pendens in Action
A lis pendens was filed on the property due to a boundary dispute, discouraging potential buyers.
Key Takeaways
- Public notice of litigation affecting property
- Filed with the land registry
- Can prevent sale or financing of property
- Must be resolved or removed to clear title
- Important for buyers and lenders to check













Hale Founders Eric Abugov and Robin Kerbel
This year's Board & Barrel: Charcuterie Experience will take place on July 25
The Board & Barrel: Charcuterie Experience
This year's Smash & Sear: Best in Burger Competition will be held on August 9
The Smash & Sear: Best in Burger Competition
Hale's new Cabin store opens this summer
The Barn venue is slated for completion in spring 2027






Myriad (back left), Highpoint (centre), Jinju, Meridian, and Precidia in Burquitlam. (Ledingham McAllister)
The Gardena project by Intracorp Homes. (Intracorp)
7211 Greenford Avenue in Burnaby. (Arcadis, OpenForm Properties)
The phasing and overview of the proposal for 7211 Greenford Avenue. (Arcadis, OpenForm Properties)
Renderings of the proposal for 7211 Greenford Avenue in Burnaby. (Arcadis, OpenForm Properties)
Renderings of the low-rise building planned for 7211 Greenford Avenue in Burnaby. (Arcadis, OpenForm Properties)

Canada residential unit sales by month, actual, 2019 and 2024-2026. Data through June 2026. Source:
Canada residential sales-to-new-listings ratio, actual, January 2025 to June 2026. Source:
Canada residential months of inventory, actual, January 2025 to June 2026. Source: Source:
Year-over-year change in residential average sale price for Canada, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, January 2022 to June 2026. Average price is shown here as a regional mix measure, not a substitute for HPI or local comparable sales. Source:
Year-over-year change in residential unit sales for Canada, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, January 2024 to June 2026. Source: 

Mattamy WideLot™ design
'The Cline' at Cityscape
'The Monarch' at Yorkville