After a condominium plan is registered, the Land Titles Office will issue a certificate of title for each unit in the development. A certificate of title will include the following information:
- Condominium plan number
- Condominium unit number
- The name of the condominium unit owner
- The owner’s shares in common property (based on the unit factor assigned)
- Any registrations on the property: zoning restrictions, liens, encumbrances, caveats, mortgages, easements, restrictive covenants, or rights of way
Why is it important to review the certificate of title?
- To ensure the person selling the property is the rightful owner of the property.
- To confirm what you’re buying. Only one unit can be listed on each certificate of title. If you are buying a parking stall or storage unit with the condominium unit, these may have separate certificates of title. Make sure you have reviewed all relevant certificates of title and all of the property you are planning to purchase is accounted for.
- Be aware that the unit number on the certificate of title may be different from the physical unit number. Check the condominium plan to confirm the unit number on the certificate of title corresponds to the physical unit you are interested in buying.
- Check for any financial and/or legal claims registered against the property (liens, encumbrances, caveats) – for example, the condominium corporation can put a caveat against the unit for unpaid condominium contributions.
- Check for any restrictions on how the property can be used (zoning, rights of way, restrictive covenants, easements) – for example, there may be a restrictive covenant preventing people from operating home businesses in condominium units.
Thank you to the Alberta Real Estate Association for allowing portions of their Condominium A to Z course manual to be adapted for use in this section.
Last updated: September 2015
