Is it safe to buy a property that doesn’t have a land title, only a tax?

Hi! Good on you for asking before making a decision because here’s the honest answer: No, it’s not safe to buy a property that only has a tax declaration and no land title.

Why not?
A tax declaration is not legal proof of ownership. It simply shows that someone is paying real property taxes, but it doesn’t mean they legally own the land or have the right to sell it. Only a land title issued by the Registry of Deeds is recognized as proof of legal ownership.

Without a title, the land could be:
* Public or government-owned

* Under dispute or multiple claims

* Impossible or very costly to title later

The risks you take include:
* Losing your money if someone else comes forward with the rightful title

* Being unable to secure financing (banks won’t accept untitled land)

* Struggling to resell it later

* Spending time and money trying to title it without any guarantees

What about others who’ve done it?
Yes, it’s true—some people have bought land with only a tax declaration and eventually titled it successfully. But those cases often involved years of waiting, legal work, documentation, and luck. For every success story, there are many more people who ended up stuck or in legal disputes.

So ask yourself:
Why take the risk, when there are safer, titled options available?

Although the price may seem very attractive, when a property has no title, you’re taking on all the risk and uncertainty.

When it comes to real estate, it’s better to walk away from a “bargain” than to spend years fixing a problem you could’ve avoided. A clean title gives you peace of mind and legal protection.
If you’re serious about buying property, always insist on a title and consult a licensed broker or real estate lawyer to guide you. It’ll save you a lot of stress and potentially a lot of money down the road.

Let me know if you’d like help checking what documents to ask for or how to verify a land title.