The Bank of Canada has reduced their lending rate by 0.25% this morning. Great news for variable rate mortgage holders, as we expect the banks will follow suit in the coming days. While inflation remains a bit stubborn, the economy showed signs of weakness, particularly in the job loss category. It’s widely expected we will […]
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Title insurance has become an essential component of real estate transactions in British Columbia and across Canada. While the Land Title Act (BC) and the Torrens system provide significant protections for registered owners, title insurance offers an additional layer of security for both purchasers and lenders. This article examines the role and importance of title
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In British Columbia, discovering a material latent defect after the completion of a property purchase can be distressing for buyers. However, the law provides certain protections and remedies, which depend on the nature of the defect, the conduct of the seller, and the terms of the contract. What Is a Material Latent Defect? A latent defect is
In British Columbia, the conduct of real estate licensees—including realtors, brokers, and property managers—is governed by the Real Estate Services Act, SBC 2004, c 42 (RESA), the Real Estate Services Rules, and the Real Estate Services Regulation. The BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) is the regulatory body responsible for oversight and enforcement. 1. Duty to Act Honestly and
Regulation of Real Estate Licensee Duties under the Real Estate Services Act (BC) Read More »
When two or more individuals acquire property together in British Columbia, the form of co-ownership they select has significant legal implications, particularly regarding succession and the ability to transfer interests. The two primary forms of co-ownership are tenancy in common and joint tenancy. While both permit multiple parties to hold title to the same property,
Tenancy in Common vs. Joint Tenancy in British Columbia Property Ownership Read More »
What Protections Does the Land Title Act (BC) Offer Registered Property Owners? In British Columbia, the security and certainty of property ownership are underpinned by the Torrens land title system, as set out in the Land Title Act, RSBC 1996, c 250. This system is designed to provide robust legal protections for registered property owners,
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Legal Title vs. Equitable Title in British Columbia Real Estate Transactions When buying or selling real estate in British Columbia, two key concepts frequently arise: legal title and equitable title. While closely related, understanding the distinction is essential for anyone involved in a real estate transaction. Legal Title Legal title refers to the official ownership of a property as
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What You Need to Know: The New GST Rebate for First-Time Home Buyers in British Columbia Good news for first-time home buyers in British Columbia! The federal government has delivered on a major promise, and as of May 27, 2025, a new Goods and Services Tax (GST) rebate is available for buyers of newly built
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Dividing Property After a Common-Law Relationship Ends in British Columbia When a common-law relationship in British Columbia comes to an end, the division of property is primarily governed by the Family Law Act. Under this legislation, unmarried couples who have lived together in a marriage-like relationship for at least two years are legally considered “spouses”
Common-Law Relationships and Property Division in B.C. Read More »
Severing Joint Tenancy in British Columbia: Methods and Estate Implications In British Columbia, joint tenancy is a common form of property co-ownership where two or more individuals hold equal, undivided interests in real property. The defining characteristic of joint tenancy is the right of survivorship, meaning that upon the death of one joint tenant, their
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Melissa has 8+ years of combined Commercial, Business and Contract Law experience as In-House Counsel in manufacturing, health, real estate development, and broadcast communication industries. She is instrumental in developing strategies to minimize legal risk and ensure regulatory compliance.
She has 6+ years of Human Resources Management experience and a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation. Her practice includes Family Law, Civil Litigation, Wills & Estates and Real Estate & Conveyancing.
For fun, she visits ancient sites and ruins and belts out popular Broadway tunes.
Northam Law is a boutique law firm offering advisory services in Real Estate Law and Conveyancing, Business Law, and Human Resources. Our practice areas also include Wills & Estates and Family Law. Notarization services are also available.
