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Under the Registry system, a purchaser discovers an unregistered mortgage that predates their registered deed. The mortgage was properly executed but never registered. What is the legal effect?

Correct Answer

C) The mortgage is valid only if the purchaser had actual knowledge of it

Under the Registry system's race-notice principle, an unregistered interest can still affect a subsequent purchaser if they had actual knowledge of it. Unlike the Torrens system, the Registry system does not provide absolute protection against unregistered interests, making due diligence crucial.

Answer Options
A
The mortgage is invalid because it was not registered
B
The purchaser takes subject to the mortgage despite lack of registration
C
The mortgage is valid only if the purchaser had actual knowledge of it
D
The purchaser's title is clear because they registered first

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Under the Registry system's race-notice principle, an unregistered interest can still affect a subsequent purchaser if they had actual knowledge of it. Unlike the Torrens system, the Registry system does not provide absolute protection against unregistered interests, making due diligence crucial.

Deep Dive: Understanding the Answer

Under the Registry system's race-notice principle, an unregistered interest can still affect a subsequent purchaser if they had actual knowledge of it. Unlike the Torrens system, the Registry system does not provide absolute protection against unregistered interests, making due diligence crucial.

This question tests your understanding of Real Property Law concepts that are commonly assessed on Canadian real estate licensing exams. The correct answer, “The mortgage is valid only if the purchaser had actual knowledge of it”, reflects a fundamental principle that real estate professionals in Canada must understand.

Specifically, this falls under the sub-topic of Land Registration Systems, which is an important area within Real Property Law that appears regularly on provincial licensing exams across Canada.

About Real Property Law

Land registration systems (Torrens, Land Titles), estates and interests in land, condominiums, and cooperative ownership.

Real Property Law is one of the core areas covered on Canadian real estate licensing exams, including RECO (Ontario), BCFSA (British Columbia), and RECA (Alberta). Understanding these concepts is essential for anyone pursuing a career in Canadian real estate.

Study Tips for Real Property Law

  • Understand the difference between Torrens and Land Titles registration systems across provinces.
  • Focus on the key distinctions between freehold and leasehold estates.
  • Review how easements and restrictive covenants affect property rights.
  • Pay attention to how condominium legislation varies by province.

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