What does Nova Scotia's land registration system provide in relation to title?

• A. It records property taxes and zoning classifications.
• B. Nova Scotia uses a Land Registration/Title system; it records interests in land; provides indefeasibility of title subject to exceptions.
• C. It only records mortgage terms.
• D. It serves as a registry of building permits.

Answer: (B)

Nova Scotia uses a Land Registration/Title system, which means the register records who owns land and the various interests that affect that land (such as mortgages, easements, and other encumbrances). A key feature of this system is indefeasibility of title: once a person’s ownership is registered, their title is conclusive against most challenges, making ownership reliable and transfer processes smoother. This protection, however, is not absolute—the title can still be defeated or limited by certain exceptions, such as fraud, misrepresentation, or other recognized legal defects that the registry allows for.

This system isn’t primarily about recording property taxes or zoning classifications, which are separate municipal or planning matters. It also isn’t limited to mortgage terms only, nor is it a registry for building permits. The strength of the land registration system lies in linking ownership to a clear, protected title and recording the interests that encumber that land, so buyers and lenders have confidence in what they’re getting.