Real estate law

Real estate law governs the ownership, use, transfer, financing and leasing of land and buildings. In BC it covers purchases and sales, land title registration, mortgages, commercial leasing, strata property, zoning and development, and disputes such as builders liens.

How BC law treats it

Key statutes include the Land Title Act, RSBC 1996, c 250, the Property Law Act, RSBC 1996, c 377 and the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c 43, and real estate licensees are licensed and disciplined by the BC Financial Services Authority under the Real Estate Services Act, SBC 2004, c 42. Sellers of land are protected by caveat emptor, subject to exceptions for misrepresentation and known latent defects that make the property dangerous or unfit for habitation.

What it means for your business

Buyers must do their own inspections and title review, since sellers have limited disclosure duties.

Risks and common mistakes

Removing subjects before completing inspections and reviewing title and strata documents can leave a buyer with costly defects.

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.