A proper search of title is a necessary element of good real estate practice. The land titles system generally effaces the need for a thorough title search in transactions that involve land titles qualified properties, especially if those properties' abstracts contain a forty-year chain of title. Land title absolute properties do not require title searches beyond the abstract: section 45 of the Land Titles Act creates an almost-perfect title subject only to claims made against the first registered owner by a person with a beneficial interest in the first owner's estate.

Despite the efficiency of the land titles system, properties continue to only enjoy qualified title or to exist in registry. In these cases, proper title searching may be required for land title insurance and/or closing real estate transactions.

This page sets out the base requirements for title search behind the land title abstract / registry abstract.

1. Land Titles Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. L.5