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Under Ontario's Registry system, a purchaser discovers an unregistered deed that predates their registered deed. What is the likely outcome?

Correct Answer

B) The earlier unregistered deed may take priority

Under Ontario's Registry Act, an unregistered instrument is void against a later purchaser for valuable consideration without actual notice who registers first (s. 70(1)), and priority of registration prevails unless the later purchaser had actual notice of the earlier instrument before registering (s. 71). So the earlier unregistered deed may take priority, but only if the later purchaser had actual notice of it; constructive notice is not enough.

Answer Options
A
The registered deed always takes priority, regardless of date
B
The earlier unregistered deed may take priority
C
The unregistered deed is invalid and has no effect
D
Both parties become joint tenants of the property

Why This Is the Correct Answer

This answer is correct because the earlier unregistered deed can prevail in some circumstances, chiefly where the later purchaser had actual notice of it before registering (Registry Act ss. 70(1) and 71). The word 'may' properly reflects that the outcome depends on notice.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

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Key Terms

Registry Actpriorityactual noticeunregistered deeds. 71
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