Equitable Title

Published on :

21 Aug, 2024

Blog Author :

Edited by :

Reviewed by :

An Equitable Title in real estate refers to the legal right of an individual or an entity to utilize and operate a particular asset. The title holder is permitted by law to use the asset in such a way that they benefit from it financially, socially, or otherwise.

However, the equitable title over an asset doesn't correlate to legal ownership. Therefore, the purpose of the asset only extends to operation and not sales, leases, etc. Such title agreements are standard in trusts, real estate, the transport sector, and businesses that lease equipment, plants, and machinery.

Equitable Title Definition

An equitable title meaning states it as the legal right to use or operate an asset and realize any benefits from its usage, such as profits.
This title does not confer any legal ownership to the title holder. So, they cannot sell or modify it unless otherwise specified in the agreement.
The asset or consideration of the contract can be a real estate property such as a house or building or a business asset like equipment or heavy machinery.

Equitable Title Explained

Equitable title in real estate is one of the many legal arrangements that enable different parties to collaborate in businesses. A title refers to a document that shows proof of ownership of tangible and intangible assets. It can be of two types – equitable and legal. The individual or entity who holds the equitable ownership can use the asset for personal or business purposes. But they do not own the asset. The equitable owner might derive direct or indirect benefits from the asset.

Such arrangements help the involved parties financially. If an individual cannot enter into a transaction due to a shortage of funds, they can partner with a third party and enter into an agreement where the latter owns the asset, but the former uses it. Of course, the party who owns it also have some benefits.

Equitable title laws are common in real estate, where assets such as buildings, factories, and houses serve as considerations in contractual agreements. In trusts, too, the beneficiary acts as the agency and uses the asset. Any financial proceeds gained through its utilization will go to the beneficiary. Another example relates to businesses leasing or purchasing plants and machinery without upfront capital investment.

Examples

Refer to the following examples to understand the concept.

Example #1

Alice wishes to purchase a house valued at $300,000, but she currently needs more funds for a down payment. She approaches a financial institution, and they agree on the arrangement. In this agreement, the bank becomes the legal owner, holding the property's title, while Alice gains equitable title, allowing her to live in and utilize the house.

As part of the agreement, Alice pays a monthly amount, which covers both rent and an additional sum that contributes to the future purchase of the property. The arrangement stipulates that after a set number of years or when a certain financial threshold is reached, Alice will have the option to buy the house at the agreed-upon price. Until then, the bank retains legal ownership.

Example #2

In a hypothetical scenario, Sarah discovers her dream home but faces financial constraints. She decides on a rent-to-own agreement with the property owner, David. While David maintains legal ownership, Sarah gains equitable title, allowing her to reside in and improve the property. Through monthly payments, part of which contributes to the property's future purchase, Sarah enjoys the benefits of homeownership. This arrangement showcases the flexibility of equitable title, offering Sarah the opportunity to acquire legal ownership eventually.

This arrangement provides a pathway for individuals to experience homeownership benefits before securing full legal ownership, offering a practical solution for those seeking housing solutions in the face of immediate financial limitations.

Equitable Title vs Legal Title

In the domain of property rights, titles manifest in two distinct forms – equitable and legal. Exploring the disparities between these two categories provides insights into the unique characteristics that define each type of ownership agreement.

While both equitable and legal titles are legally binding agreements conferring rights to individuals regarding an asset, they share the commonality of serving as recognized instruments in property law. Additionally, both titles establish a framework for individuals to assert specific entitlements tied to the ownership and use of the respective assets.

Basis	Equitable Title	Legal Title
Rights Conferred	Allows use without legal ownership	Grants legal ownership with full rights
Transferability	Cannot legally sell or transfer the asset	Enables legal sale, transfer, and modification
Compensation	Proceeds from asset use go to the equitable owner	The owner can demand compensation for asset use
Example	Company Z has equitable ownership and the right to use	Individual X owns a building and has the legal right
Dual Ownership	The same party can hold both equitable and legal titles	The same party enjoys full ownership and usage rights

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can equitable title be transferred to a third party without legal ownership?

No, it typically cannot be transferred to a third party without the involvement or consent of the legal owner. The legal owner retains control over any transfers or conveyances of the property, ensuring that any such transactions adhere to the terms specified in the agreement governing the equitable title arrangement.

How is equitable title beneficial for parties with limited funds?

This arrangement is advantageous for parties with limited funds as it allows them to utilize and benefit from an asset, such as real estate, without requiring a significant upfront investment. This arrangement, often seen in agreements like rent-to-own, enables individuals or businesses to enjoy the perks of property use while gradually working towards full legal ownership through structured payments.

Can a property have both equitable and legal titles simultaneously?

Yes, a property can have both equitable and legal titles simultaneously. In such cases, the same party holds both forms of title, granting them comprehensive ownership rights. This duality allows for the enjoyment of equitable benefits, such as use and financial gains, alongside legal rights, including the ability to sell, transfer, and incur financial responsibilities related to the property.