A inium (or condo for short) is an ownership regime in which a building (or group of buildings) is divided into multiple units that are either each separately owned, or owned in common with exclusive rights of occupation by individual owners.
Inium is a Latin word that means "Owning property together." That's what it is like when someone buys a condo unit. They have an "interest" in the land beneath the building, but the building's association owns the actual land.
Types of inium Ownership Structures: Freehold iniums: Freehold iniums are the most common type of inium ownership structure. Leasehold iniums: Leasehold iniums are less common than freehold iniums. Common Elements iniums. Vacant Land iniums:
"Owning:" Why Condo Owners Don't Own the Land. One of the main differences between buying a house versus buying a condo is that condo owners are not landowners. A condo owner is purchasing an "interest" in the condo association that runs the day-to-day operations of the building, similar to a homeowners association.
Master Deed/Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions It is filed with the county clerk's office where the community is located and outlines the physical boundaries of the property, including common areas, limited common elements or areas, and individual units/lots.
Ownership of a inium unit is evidenced by a inium certificate of title. With respect to real property other than land and inium units, there is no system that is equivalent to the Torrens system for registration under which a document is issued to evidence the owner's title.
While it is not legally required to have an attorney, it is highly recommended to consult with a real estate attorney when dealing with deed transfers in New York and New Jersey. An attorney can ensure that the transfer is conducted correctly, protect your interests, and address any legal issues that may arise.
The deed must be signed in ink by the Grantors in the presence of a notary public, with the Grantors' names printed below the signatures. Contrary to popular belief, the Grantors' signatures do not need to be witnessed (other than by a notary). The deed does not need to be signed by the Grantees (buyers).
In New Jersey, deeds are recorded with the County Clerk's office or the Registrar of Deeds in the county where the property is located. This office maintains all property records and ensures they are accessible to the public.