ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the basic legal framework which applies to real estate and its ownership. It begins by explaining the different types of law, before looking at two essential concepts: what is land and how is land owned? Some basic legal authority is introduced in the form of key case law and legislation. There are many legal cases that create and interpret the law and legislation can be very complex and detailed. Legal authority is not covered in depth as there are specific texts that provide this and some of these are listed at the end of the chapter. Landlord and tenant law and the rights that one person may enjoy over land belonging to someone else are dealt with in separate chapters.
