What is the primary function of the Ontario Land Registry?

The primary function of the Ontario Land Registry is to maintain public records of land transactions and ownership. This system serves a crucial role in the real estate industry by providing a centralized and authoritative source of information regarding property titles, ownership history, and any encumbrances such as mortgages or liens.

Maintaining these records ensures transparency and protects the rights of property owners, as it allows individuals and businesses to verify ownership and conduct due diligence before engaging in transactions. The accessibility of this information is vital for buyers, sellers, lawyers, and other stakeholders in ensuring that land deals are conducted lawfully and without disputes over ownership.

While mortgage applications are an important aspect of real estate transactions, the Land Registry does not approve them; that is the role of financial institutions. Similarly, the regulation of real estate agents falls under the jurisdiction of real estate regulatory bodies rather than the Land Registry itself. Legal advice for property owners is provided by legal professionals, whereas the Land Registry strictly focuses on maintaining accurate, up-to-date land information.