Land registration simplified
Implementation of the province’s new land title system was completed in 2005. The Land Registry provides an ownership guarantee to Nova Scotians and eliminates repeat title searches.
To receive the guarantee, land owners need to register their property in the new system and that requires one last historic title search. Although the result is better protection for land owners, conversion was onerous.
Changes to regulations for land registration simplified the conversion process. Prior to June 2006, each application to register a title had to be accompanied by a documented title history covering at least a 40-year search as well as additional forms. Now, lawyers registering titles have to certify that they’ve completed the search and have the supporting paper records to prove it. Then they may be asked to produce the information at any time as part of the Land Registry auditing process.
When a title property is first converted to the new system, it still takes a bit longer. However, subsequent title changes are very simple, saving significant time, particularly for the over 200 law firms who register titles. It also improves the efficiency of property closings for everyone involved.
The Registry has also published a revised style manual to serve as a reference for those drafting new regulations. It includes standards for drafting regulations and plain language tips.
