Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Charges in Property Transactions

A "charge" in property law is a legal interest in a property that secures a debt, granting the lender (chargee) certain rights over the property if the borrower (chargor) defaults on the debt. Unlike a mortgage, a charge does not transfer ownership; instead, it provides a security interest that allows the lender to recover the debt by selling the property if necessary. 

Key aspects of a charge:

  • Security Interest:

A charge is a way to secure a loan or debt by using a property as collateral. 

  • Chargor and Chargee:

The owner of the property (the borrower) is called the chargor, and the lender is the chargee. 

  • Rights of the Chargee:

The chargee has the right to take possession of the property and sell it if the chargor defaults on the debt. 

  • No Transfer of Ownership:

A charge does not transfer ownership of the property to the lender. The chargor retains ownership even while the charge is in place. 

  • Types of Charges:

There can be formal and informal charges. Formal charges are typically registered and documented, while informal charges are often written understandings between parties. 

  • Enforcement:

If the borrower defaults, the chargee can initiate legal proceedings to enforce the charge, potentially leading to the sale of the property to recover the debt. 

  • Discharge:

Once the debt is paid off, the chargee is obligated to discharge the charge, meaning it is removed from the property's title. 

  • Importance of Discharge:

A discharged charge means the property is no longer subject to that specific security interest, allowing for easier future transactions. 

 

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