RES exam question on Land Law: distinguishes the Registration of Deeds Act system from the Land Titles Act Torrens system
Singapore operates two parallel title registration systems for private land. Which of the following statements CORRECTLY distinguishes the Registration of Deeds Act (RDA) system from the Land Titles Act (LTA) Torrens system?
- AUnder RDA, priority turns on the order deeds are registered; under LTA, the register itself confers indefeasible title
- BUnder RDA, the register provides a conclusive guarantee of title; under LTA, priority depends on the order in which deeds were executed
- CBoth systems confer indefeasibility; the only difference is that RDA is administered by the CEA while LTA is administered by SLA
- DRDA applies only to HDB flats and old estates, while LTA applies to private condominiums and landed homes
Show answer & explanation
Answer
A. Under RDA, priority turns on the order deeds are registered; under LTA, the register itself confers indefeasible title
Explanation
Singapore is still converting older pre-Torrens properties from the Registration of Deeds Act (RDA) to the Land Titles Act (LTA). Under the RDA system, the register is a record of deeds and priority among competing interests is generally determined by notice and the order of registration. Under the LTA Torrens system, registration confers indefeasibility — the register is conclusive — subject to limited exceptions (fraud, in personam claims). Both systems are administered by SLA; RDA does not apply to HDB flats.
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