As a result, they did not demonstrate that the foreclosure sales were valid to convey title to the subject properties, and their requests for a declaration of clear title were properly denied.

FORBES: Mass. Judge Rules Against Banks, Foreclosures Are Void

In the boom years, many suburban office properties were occupied by real estate and title companies, which have since downsized significantly.

FORBES: Commercial Real Estate Forecast: 2012-2013

Jorge Rodriguez, who does title searches, says that about 70% of the properties he investigates have some degree of error.

FORBES: A casa of your own

Iain Strachan from Edinburgh Council outlined the difficulties his council had establishing which properties came under the common good category for registers, saying it had to pour over ancient title deeds that went back to the time of King David.

BBC: Justice Committee