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firm:real-estate:title-search:chain-of-title [2025/07/01 16:46] – adminfirm:real-estate:title-search:chain-of-title [2025/07/01 21:42] (current) – admin
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 A chain of title is the chronological sequence of ownership, transfers, and legal interests affecting a property over time. It establishes the historical record of who owned the property, how ownership changed, and any encumbrances (e.g., mortgages, easements) or legal restrictions (e.g., by-laws, Planning Act controls) affecting the land. In Ontario, a thorough chain of title is critical for real estate transactions to confirm clear ownership and compliance with legal requirements, particularly under the //Registry Act//, //Land Titles Act// and the //Planning Act//. A chain of title is the chronological sequence of ownership, transfers, and legal interests affecting a property over time. It establishes the historical record of who owned the property, how ownership changed, and any encumbrances (e.g., mortgages, easements) or legal restrictions (e.g., by-laws, Planning Act controls) affecting the land. In Ontario, a thorough chain of title is critical for real estate transactions to confirm clear ownership and compliance with legal requirements, particularly under the //Registry Act//, //Land Titles Act// and the //Planning Act//.
 +
 +==== Critical warning ====
 +
 +Before conducting any kind of inquiry into title, you **must** be sure to know the name and identification number of the land registry office ("LRO") in which the property is located.
 +
 +==== Worksheet ====
 +
 +  * {{ :firm:real-estate:title-search:worksheet_-_chain_of_title.docx |Chain of title worksheet}}
  
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   * **By Name**: Follow prior owners in the abstract book or registry index (e.g., "John Smith conveys to Jane Doe").   * **By Name**: Follow prior owners in the abstract book or registry index (e.g., "John Smith conveys to Jane Doe").
   * **By Description**: Reconcile property descriptions in deeds, plans, and by-laws (e.g., "Lot 1, Plan 649").   * **By Description**: Reconcile property descriptions in deeds, plans, and by-laws (e.g., "Lot 1, Plan 649").
 +  * **Other documents** may affect title but not include a matching name or description for the subject property. Be sure to gather all title documents.
  
 3. Verify legal access and boundaries 3. Verify legal access and boundaries
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   * **Name Changes**: Account for marriages, divorces, or corporate reorganizations.   * **Name Changes**: Account for marriages, divorces, or corporate reorganizations.
   * **Historical Gaps**: Investigate missing links (e.g., deeds dated centuries earlier but recently registered).   * **Historical Gaps**: Investigate missing links (e.g., deeds dated centuries earlier but recently registered).
 +  * **Subdivision and assembly**: property owners may subdivide lots into smaller units and sell these units to individuals. Individuals may similarly assemble a group of lots from their individual owners. In these cases, further investigation of each of the lots either subdivided or assembled is required to ensure that no //Planning Act// violations have occurred.
  
 5. Document findings 5. Document findings

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