Streamline Your Land Transfer: What You Need to Know About Title Changes in Alberta

Thinking about changing ownership of your property in Alberta? Kahane Law Office in Edmonton and Calgary can help navigate the process smoothly.

What is a Title Transfer?

A title transfer involves changing ownership of land from one person (transferor) to another (transferee). This can be for various reasons, like adding a spouse or removing a mortgage co-signer from the title.

Why Use a Lawyer for Title Transfer?

Our lawyers ensure a smooth and legal ownership change. We handle the entire process, including:

• Understanding Your Needs: We discuss your specific situation and explain different ownership options (joint tenancy, tenants in common).
• Drafting Documents: We prepare the transfer of land documents and affidavits required by the Alberta Land Titles Office.
• Registration and Follow-up: We submit the documents for registration and keep you updated on the process.

Types of Land Ownership We Can Transfer:

• Freehold ownership (most common)
• Leasehold ownership (land leases over 3 years)
• Life estate ownership (ownership for life)

Properties We Can Transfer Title For:

• Fee simple ownership
• Condominiums (strata)
• Bareland condominiums
• Important Note: We cannot transfer Crown land (provincial or federal government land).

Transferring Title with a Mortgage

If you have a mortgage, your lender might have a “due on sale” clause requiring approval before a title transfer. We recommend getting their approval beforehand.

The Title Transfer Process:

1. Request for Current Title Copy: We verify ownership and reduce fraud risk.
2. Drafting Transfer Documents: We prepare the transfer of land document.
3. Signing and Affidavits: You sign the document, and a transferee swears an Affidavit of Value (land value for Land Titles Office fees). We provide a witness if needed.
4. Submission and Registration: We submit the documents to the Land Titles Office for registration (wait time varies – typically days to weeks).

How Long Does It Take?

Our firm can usually prepare documents within 1-2 days (same-day signing possible). Land Titles Office registration takes extra time (we can check current wait times).