How to register real estate in your name?

The real estate registration system in Alberta is based on the Torrens System, which provides the highest level of security and certainty of title in the world. Unlike older deed-based systems (deed-based systems), the Torrens System ensures that the Certificate of Title is the ultimate proof of ownership. The Alberta Land Titles Office is maintained as a single centralized registry that provides legal certainty and protection for all property owners.

Basic principles of the Torrens system

  • Mirror principle — the title accurately reflects the state of ownership.
  • Curtain principle — the buyer does not need to research the history of ownership beyond the current title.
  • Insurance principle — the state guarantees compensation in the event of errors in the system.

Land Titles offices in Alberta

There are two Land Titles offices in Alberta:

  • Calgary Land Titles Office — serves the southern half of the province.
  • Edmonton Land Titles Office — serves the northern half of the province.

All real estate registration transactions in the Calgary area are processed through:

Calgary Land Titles Office Address: 710 4th Avenue SW, Calgary

Transfer of ownership process

1. Initial steps

The process of registering real estate in your name begins with the signing of a Purchase and Sale Agreement between the buyer and seller. This legally binding document contains details about the price, terms of sale, closing dates, and other important terms of the transaction.

It is recommended that you hire a Calgary real estate lawyer to review this agreement and ensure that your interests are protected.

The next step is to conduct a title search to confirm the seller's legal ownership and identify any encumbrances, such as liens or easements. A Calgary real estate lawyer can assist with conducting the title search, interpreting the results, and resolving any issues.

2. Preparation of legal documents

Buying or selling real estate involves preparing the following documents:

  • Transfer of Land Documents — records the change of ownership.
  • Statement of Adjustments — shows all financial transactions related to the transaction.

The document preparation process in Calgary usually takes 1–2 days, but in urgent cases, it can be completed on the same day.

For example, Kahane Law Office in Calgary and Edmonton specializes in the quick preparation of documents for change of ownership.

Types of ownership in Alberta

Freehold Ownership

Freehold ownership is the most common type of ownership in Alberta. You own the property in its entirety, subject only to the interests of the Crown. This is the standard type of ownership that most people think of when buying a home.

Leasehold Ownership

Leasehold ownership means that you only have ownership rights for the term of the lease of the land or property. The land titles system allows leases of more than three years to be registered on the title to protect leasehold interests.

Life Estate Ownership

Life estate ownership means that you own the property for your lifetime. After your death, ownership automatically passes to the person named in the documents.

Joint Tenancy vs Tenants in Common

  • In joint tenancy, if one of the owners dies, their share automatically passes to the other owners.
  • With tenants in common, each owner can transfer their share according to their will.

These differences are important in Alberta real estate law and ensure that property rights are in line with the owner's interests.

Using the SPIN2 system

What is SPIN2

SPIN2 is a free web application available to anyone who needs to view or purchase Alberta Government land information or data products. The system provides access to:

  • 1.8 million current land titles
  • 2.9 million historical land titles
  • 18 million registered documents

SPIN2 is designed for self-learning with search criteria and screenshots included. Users can click the Help button on the SPIN2 Menu Bar for assistance with the selected search type.

Creating a SPIN2 account

Registration for SPIN2 is free and allows regular users to enter and maintain standard information. To create a new SPIN2 login, you need to:

  1. Go to www.spin.gov.ab.ca

  2. Click “Guest Login”

  3. Select “Create a Private Account”

Registered users can:

  • manage their SPIN2 account,
  • update their profile or delivery information,
  • receive orders for the current working day.

Searching for titles via SPIN2

To search for a property title through SPIN2, you need a legal description consisting of a plan, block, and lot. You can also use the Land Identification Number Code (LINC number), title number, or meridian, range, township, section, and quarter.

The search process includes the following steps:

  1. Go to the SPIN2 website
  2. Click Guest Login
  3. After reading the disclaimer, click “I Agree”
  4. On the Welcome to SPIN2 screen, click “Search”
  5. Select “Title and Registered Documents”
  6. Enter the relevant information (Plan, Block, Lot or Condominium Plan and unit number)
  7. Click “View” next to each document

Registration fees and expenses

Current fee structure (2025)

Starting in October 2024, new increased land title registration fees will be in effect in Alberta:

Base fee — $50, plus $5 for every $5,000 (or fraction thereof) of the property value or mortgage amount.

Calculation example for a house valued at $400,000 with a mortgage of $320,000:

Land Title Transfer Fee:

  • Base fee: $50
  • $400,000 ÷ $5,000 = 80 parts
  • $5 × 80 = $400
  • Total title transfer fee: $450

Mortgage Registration Fee:

  • Base fee: $50
  • $320,000 ÷ $5,000 = 64 parts
  • $5 × 64 = $320
  • Total mortgage registration fee: $370

Total closing fees: $820

Comparison with the previous system

Until October 2024, fees were calculated at the following rates:

  • $2 for every $5,000 of value for land transfer
  • $1.50 for every $5,000 for mortgage registration

For a home valued at $500,000:

  • Land transfer fee increased from $250 to $550
  • Mortgage fee increased from $200 to $550

The fee increase is a result of the Land Titles Registration Levy announced as part of Budget 2024 Effective date: October 20, 2024

Additional costs

  • Legal fees — $800-$1,500
  • Title search and insurance — $200-$400
  • Property appraisal — $300-$600
  • Mortgage discharge fees — $300-$500

Specific procedures for different situations

Adding or removing a name from the title

  • All current registered owners must sign the form
  • The process takes 1-2 days
  • Documents confirming the change of ownership must be submitted to the Land Titles Office

Removing a deceased joint tenant

You must provide the original or a notarized copy of one of the following certificates:

  • Vital Statistics Registry
  • Medical examiner
  • Funeral director
  • Cremation certificate
  • Document from another jurisdiction if the death occurred outside Alberta

Only the original death certificate will be returned to the applicant. The others will remain at the Land Titles Office.

Removal of a deceased tenant-in-common or sole owner

  • A filed copy of the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration from the Surrogate Court of Alberta is required
  • Notarized copies are not accepted
  • If the document was issued by another court, it must be re-sealed in Alberta

Name change

  • The form depends on the reason for the change:
  • Marriage
  • Divorce
  • Legal name change

Submission of documents

By mail

Calgary location: Box 7575 Calgary, Alberta T2P 2R4

Edmonton location: Box 2380 Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2T3

In person

Calgary Land Titles Office 710 4th Avenue SW Calgary, Alberta T2P 0K3 Phone: 403-297-6511

Electronic filing

The Alberta Land Titles Office is developing electronic filing through ALTA II. The ALTO (Alberta Land Titles Online) system is designed for lawyers and land surveyors.

Role of real estate lawyers

Importance of legal support

  • Advice on Alberta land title changes
  • Preparation of documents for transfer of ownership
  • Supervision of document signing

Advantages of professional support

  • Tarrabain & Tarrabain provides Alberta-centric legal insight
  • Lawyers conduct thorough due diligence
  • MD Law Group ensures document verification and compliance with legislation

Current trends and changes

Modernization of Land Titles

  • SPIN2 — a modern .NET system with text and map search
  • “Build once – use many” principle
  • Alberta's most awarded government system

Future developments

  • Introduction of electronic signatures
  • Instant access to archives and current records
  • Online payment of fees and registrations

Practical tips

Preparing for registration

  • Legal description of the property (Plan, Block, Lot)
  • Previous titles and ownership documents
  • Passport or driver's license
  • Bank details for payment of fees

Preventing delays

  • Check that all documents are completed correctly
  • Use the services of experienced lawyers
  • Always check the current fees before submitting your documents

Conclusion Registering real estate in Calgary is a complex process that requires:

  • Correct documents
  • Compliance with Alberta Land Titles Office requirements
  • Taking into account new increased fees
  • Optimal use of SPIN2 and electronic services

Consulting with professional lawyers can significantly simplify the process and help you avoid mistakes.