Do I need a real estate lawyer to buy a house in Ontario?
Yes — under the Land Registration Reform Act, only a licensed Ontario lawyer can transfer title through Teraview, so legal representation is required to close a real estate purchase in Ontario.
How much is land transfer tax in Ontario?
Ontario land transfer tax is tiered from 0.5% to 2.5% based on purchase price, and Toronto buyers pay a second municipal land transfer tax at matching rates.
What are the closing costs when buying a home in Ontario?
Ontario closing costs typically fall between 1.5% and 4% of the purchase price, covering land transfer tax, legal fees, title insurance, adjustments, and any applicable NRST.
What should I look for in a condo status certificate?
An Ontario condo status certificate under section 76 of the Condominium Act, 1998 discloses reserve fund adequacy, special assessments, litigation, and unit arrears — flagging financial and governance red flags before you are bound.
I’m a first-time home buyer — what should I know?
Ontario first-time home buyers may qualify for a provincial LTT rebate of up to $4,000, an additional Toronto rebate of up to $4,475, and the federal Home Buyers’ Amount tax credit.
I’m a non-resident buying Ontario property — what taxes apply?
Non-resident buyers pay the 25% Non-Resident Speculation Tax province-wide, plus the 10% Toronto MNRST within the city, with additional UHT and federal foreign-buyer-ban compliance.
What happens if the seller fails to close?
Ontario buyers may pursue specific performance, damages, and deposit return — and a Certificate of Pending Litigation can be registered on title to preserve those rights.
Can I do a real estate closing remotely in Ontario?
Yes — Ontario real estate closings can be completed fully remotely using secure video conferencing, electronic document signing, and electronic funds transfer.
Do I need a real estate lawyer to sell property in Ontario?
Yes — only a licensed Ontario lawyer can transfer title through the province’s electronic land registration system, so a seller cannot complete a real estate transaction without one.
When should I retain a lawyer — before or after I sign?
As early as possible — ideally before signing the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, because once an Ontario deal is firm, legal deadlines begin running immediately.
What is a buyer requisition and how does it affect me?
A buyer requisition is a written demand to address title, work order, zoning, or tax issues — and unaddressed requisitions can entitle the buyer to refuse to close.
What happens to my existing mortgage when I sell?
Your existing mortgage is discharged from title at closing — paid out from sale proceeds (including any prepayment penalty) and registered as discharged.
What are my disclosure obligations as an Ontario seller?
Ontario sellers have no statutory duty to disclose every defect, but are legally prohibited from actively concealing latent defects a buyer could not reasonably discover on inspection.
I’m a non-resident selling Ontario property — what should I plan for?
Non-resident sellers must obtain a CRA Clearance Certificate under section 116 of the Income Tax Act — a months-long process that must begin before closing to avoid 25% buyer withholding.
What if the buyer fails to close on the agreed date?
Ontario sellers may retain the deposit, pursue damages for the price difference and carrying costs, and — in limited circumstances — seek specific performance.
I’m selling privately (FSBO) — can you help?
Yes — we draft the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, advise on deposit handling, confirm disclosure obligations, and handle the full legal closing for Ontario private sales.