Glossary of Legal Terms

A legal description is the unique text description used to identify a parcel of land in British Columbia. It often includes a lot number, plan number, district lot, or other survey-based identifiers.

A lien is a legal claim registered or asserted against property to help secure payment of a debt or obligation. A builder’s lien is one common example.

A mortgage is a legal charge on land that secures a loan. In simple terms, it lets a lender use the property as security and may give the lender legal remedies if the loan is not paid.

An offer to purchase is the written proposal a buyer makes to buy a property on stated terms and conditions. If accepted, it usually forms a binding contract.

A PID is the unique nine-digit number assigned to a parcel of land in British Columbia. It stays with the parcel even when ownership changes.

The possession date is the day the buyer is legally entitled to take physical possession of the property. This is often the day the buyer receives the keys.

Property transfer tax is a provincial tax that is generally payable when someone purchases or gains an interest in property that is registered at the Land Title Office. Exemptions may apply in some situations.

A registered owner is the person shown on title as the legal owner of the property or of a registered interest in the property. Land title records identify registered ownership.

A restrictive covenant is a covenant that limits how land may be used, built on, or altered. It remains attached to the land and can bind later owners.

The right of survivorship is the feature of joint tenancy under which a deceased owner’s interest usually passes automatically to the surviving joint tenant or joint tenants.

A statutory right of way is a registered right allowing someone to use land for a specific purpose, often for utilities, access, or infrastructure. It does not usually give possession of the land itself.

A strata corporation is the legal body created when a strata plan is deposited. It manages the common property and common assets of the strata development.

A strata lot is an individual unit or parcel within a strata development. An owner of a strata lot also typically shares an interest in the common property.

A subject clause is a condition in a real estate contract that must be satisfied or waived before the deal becomes firm. Common examples relate to financing, inspection, or review of documents.

A form of co-ownership where each person holds their share separately, and upon death their share transfers to their Estate.

A title number identifies a specific title record in the land title system. Unlike a PID, a title number can change when ownership of the property is transferred.

A title search is a land record that shows who the registered owner is and what interests or claims are attached to the property. It helps buyers, sellers, and lenders check for mortgages, easements, covenants, and other issues before a deal closes.

A transfer is the legal instrument used to move ownership of land from one person to another in the land title system. It is the document used to register the change in ownership.