What are Caveats?
A caveat is a document lodged at the Land Titles Office to protect the rights of a person who claims to have an interest in the land. The caveat itself does not create anything, nor does it initiate any rights not already in existence. It does however act as an injunction, restraining the Registrar of Titles from registering any dealings with the property without first notifying the caveator. There can be caveats over land without the knowledge of the proprietor, and may only be discovered once proceedings for the transfer of the land have begun. The finding of a caveat can often lead to delays up to 90 days or more between the time of signing the contract until settlement is achieved. Any person claiming an interest in land is entitled to lodge a caveat on title, but cannot be lodged if no legitimate interest exists. Caveats can be removed through withdrawal by the caveator in an appropriate and approved form.
