We’re closing the books on 2021, and what a year it’s been! Despite the challenges that the world has faced, Hansen Land Brokers has had a banner year. Our customer base is stronger than ever before and we’ve completed some amazing transactions – all thanks to your trust and support. So, we just wanted to take a moment and say thank you to every one of you. To our clients: We are so grateful for your trust and business. Without you, we would not be where we are today. We look forward to continuing our work with you in 2022 and going even further. We already have some amazing plans in store, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds. To our partners: Thank you for your support and collaboration this year. We have learned a lot from working with each of you, and we can’t wait to see what more we can achieve together in 2022. To our friends and family: Thank you for your support, both personal and professional. We couldn’t have done this without you. Your encouragement and love mean the world to us. To our team: Thank you for your hard work and perseverance! We know it’s been a tough year, and we appreciate you more than you’ll ever know. Your dedication is what makes Hansen Land Brokers the success that it is. We are truly blessed to have each of you as part of our family. To the community: It is because of people like you that we thrive and grow as a company. Thank you for your support! And thank you for believing in us. We are more grateful than we can express. We are excited to continue working with you and making our community a better place. To you, the reader: Thank you for your time and interest. We hope that we can provide value to you throughout the year, but also at this special holiday moment. Whether you’re a client, partner, or friend: we are so grateful for you and your role in our journey. From all of us at Hansen Land Brokers, thank you all again. We want to wish you very Happy Holidays and a prosperous New Year! We are so excited for all that 2022 has in store for us – and we know that it will be even better because we get to do it with all of you. Thank you for an amazing 2021. -The Hansen Land Brokers Team- P.S. If your 2022 resolutions include buying or selling property here in Alberta, be sure to get in touch with us! We would love to help you make your dreams a reality! 😉
Alberta is one of the most diverse provinces in Canada, making it difficult to establish who owns land in any given area. This raises a lot of questions when considering land ownership in Canada. Who owns the land? How do you find out who owns the property? What can be done if a property is already owned? Luckily, there are a few ways for you to figure out what the process is for establishing ownership of the property. These and other important considerations will be answered throughout this post. Types Of Land Ownership In Alberta There are three common types of land ownership that exist in the province of Alberta. They are: 1. Sole Owner A person or a registered company is the sole owner of the land. 2. Tenancy-in-Common There are two or more owners, called tenants-in-common. If a tenant-in-common passes away, their share in the land goes to their estate, not to the other co-owners. 3. Joint Tenancy There are two or more owners, but each owner has the right to survivorship. If an owner dies, their share in the land goes to the other owners. You must specify that you want to be a joint tenant on the transfer document. Otherwise, you will automatically become a tenant-in-common. Are There Any Legal Restrictions On Foreign Investors Acquiring Land In Alberta? Alberta’s rich soil and scenic recreation areas are among the province’s most significant assets. The Agricultural and Recreational Land Ownership Act and Foreign Ownership of Land Regulations were passed to ensure that these resources continue to be owned and enjoyed by Albertans and other Canadians. While still encouraging economic investment, the restrictions ensure that private (controlled) land is available largely to Canadian citizens/corporations and permanent residents. Joint ventures between non-Canadian businesses and Alberta businesses have been and will continue to be supported. Essentially, foreign citizens and foreign-controlled corporations may own or beneficially own up to two parcels of controlled land not exceeding 20 acres in total. Canadian citizens and permanent residents (landed immigrants) aren’t affected by the regulations. The Foreign Ownership of Land Administration oversees and regulates non-Canadians’ ownership of prime agricultural and recreational land. The Land Titles Office handles the majority of transactions, however, an Order in Council can be used to request an exception from the regulations. Which Legislation Applies To Property Transactions? Each Canadian province and territory has its own separate set of rules regarding property ownership and available tenures, which are established by legislation. The Torrens system of land ownership, which is a titling system operating on the basis of “title by registration,” exists in all Canadian provinces and territories with the exception of Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and certain areas of Ontario. The Torrens mechanism effectively dispenses with the need for a chain of titles (i.e., following titles through a chain of documentary instruments). The Registry system of property ownership is used in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and some areas of Ontario. The Registry system is a means of recording papers that demonstrate title interests, but it does not give a solid assertion with regard to ownership or title like the Torrens system. Quebec is the only civil law province in Canada, employing a cadastre system. In Alberta, the Land Titles Act establishes the legal basis for the department to register land-related documents that create and terminate lawful property rights. The land registration system utilized in Alberta is based on the Torrens System of land registration and functions under the legislative authority of the Land Titles Act. Under this system, the Government has custody of all original titles, documents and plans and has the legal responsibility for the validity and security of all registered land title information. Effective Transfer Of Ownership of Land in Alberta Section 64 of the Land Titles Act authorizes the use of FORM 8 when titled land is intended to be transferred. The transfer is normally of a fee simple estate but the form is also used for a life estate or a titled leasehold estate. A Quit Claim deed is not an acceptable substitute for a transfer and cannot be accepted for registration. All private property is recorded in the appropriate provincial or territorial land registries. Crown land is the name given to unowned, government-held property (generally speaking, this includes provincial or federal government ownership). It may or may not be registered in the relevant land registries. To establish ownership of the property and proof title in the future, a buyer must register a transfer of ownership of land. Registration should therefore take place as soon as possible after the transfer. The details of ownership of the land and certain title papers are included on a public register after registration. Interested In The Ownership Process For Alberta Or Other Provinces? Get in touch with Hansen Land Brokers to find out more about the ownership process in Alberta and other provinces. If you’re not sure where you want to buy your next piece of land, let our team of experts help narrow down the best location for your needs. Our team has the expertise and the expertise, having helped Albertans purchase land for almost 30 years! Give us a call at (587) 802-3522 You can also send an email to hansen@hansenland.ca
