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Fee simple is the most complete form of property ownership recognized in Canada's common-law provinces — the owner holds the land indefinitely and can sell, mortgage, lease, or pass it on, subject only to registered encumbrances, easements, and government rights such as taxation.
Most detached homes, freehold townhouses, and standard condominium units in Canada are held in fee simple — the owner's interest doesn't expire and passes on sale or through an estate like any other asset. A leasehold interest is different: the “owner” actually holds a lease for a fixed term from an underlying landowner, an arrangement seen in some condo developments and certain Crown or First Nations land.
Lenders generally want confirmation that a property is held in fee simple, since it's the standard, most straightforward security for a mortgage; leasehold properties often require specific lender policies and can face more limited financing options depending on the remaining lease term.
The default form of ownership: fee simple is the standard freehold interest for detached homes, freehold townhouses, and most condo units across the common-law provinces and territories.
Still ultimately “held of the Crown”: as a legal formality inherited from English common law, fee-simple land is technically still held of the Crown, though in practical terms the owner has full, indefinite use and control.
Registered through provincial land systems: fee-simple title is registered and tracked through each province's own land titles or land registry system.
Quebec uses a different concept: Quebec's civil-law system doesn't use “fee simple” — the closest equivalent is full ownership under the Civil Code of Quebec.
Definitions reflect Canadian federal and provincial rules as of the “Updated” date above. Not advice for any specific file.
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