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Property LawTorrens TitleMEDIUM

Under the Real Property Act, what happens when a property is sold but the transfer is not registered?

Correct Answer

B) The vendor remains the registered legal owner until the transfer is registered.

Under the Torrens system, the vendor remains the registered legal owner until the transfer is formally registered with the land titles office. Registration is the act that transfers legal ownership, not the contract or settlement alone.

Answer Options
A
The purchaser becomes the legal owner as soon as settlement is completed.
B
The vendor remains the registered legal owner until the transfer is registered.
C
Ownership passes to the purchaser automatically 30 days after settlement.
D
The contract becomes void, and the parties must sign a fresh contract.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Under Torrens legislation, registration is what passes legal title. Until the transfer is registered, the vendor remains the registered owner and the purchaser holds an equitable interest under the contract and settlement.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

Torrens systemregistrationReal Property Actlegal ownershipland titles office
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