Ownership transfer
Ownership transfer is the process of passing ownership of an asset from one person to another. The method depends on the asset: land by a registered transfer, shares by a transfer recorded in the company's register, goods by sale and delivery, and intellectual property by written assignment.
How BC law treats it
Land in BC is transferred by registering a Form A transfer in the Land Title Office, and property transfer tax under the Property Transfer Tax Act, RSBC 1996, c 378 is generally payable on registration unless an exemption applies. Share transfers must comply with the company's articles, which often restrict transfers in private companies.
What it means for your business
Each type of asset has its own formalities, so a business sale often requires several separate transfer documents.
Risks and common mistakes
A transfer that ignores restrictions in the articles or a shareholders agreement may be invalid or open to challenge.
Fulcrum's real estate lawyers can help with these issues.
General information about British Columbia and Canadian law, current to October 2026. It is not legal advice.
