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Legal Assistance for Buyers
Buying property in Ontario.
Do it right.
Property Counsel is a Toronto real estate law firm representing buyers of residential and commercial property across Ontario. We provide full legal representation from offer review to title registration — protecting your interests at every step of the transaction.
In Ontario, a real estate lawyer is required at closing.
We handle every aspect of your purchase with precision — so you close with confidence.
What We Handle
Everything your purchase
requires, legally.
Buying property in Ontario involves a series of legal steps that must be completed correctly before you can take possession. Here is what Property Counsel handles on your behalf from start to finish.
01
Agreement of Purchase and Sale Review
The Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS) is the most important document in your transaction. We review every clause before you are legally bound — identifying unfavourable conditions, ambiguous terms, and anything that could expose you to risk after closing. If you are signing an APS without a condition for lawyer review, we recommend contacting us before you sign.
02
Title Search & Title Insurance
We conduct a comprehensive title search on the property to confirm clear ownership and identify any encumbrances — including liens, judgments, easements, or unpaid taxes — that could affect your rights as the new owner. We also arrange title insurance on your behalf, providing protection against title defects that may not be discoverable before closing.
03
Mortgage Registration & Lender Coordination
We work directly with your lender to prepare and register your mortgage documents, ensuring your financing is legally secured on closing day. We manage all lender communication, review mortgage instructions, and confirm that funds are in place and released correctly at the time of closing.
04
Financial Adjustments
We calculate and verify all financial adjustments between buyer and seller — including prorated property taxes, utility costs, condo maintenance fees, and prepaid expenses. This ensures you pay only for costs incurred after the date you take ownership, and that no amounts are passed to you incorrectly.
05
Vacant Possession & Closing Conditions
We coordinate with the seller’s lawyer to confirm that the property will be vacant, in the agreed-upon condition, and free of personal items and debris at closing. Where issues arise — including disputes over the condition of the property or chattels included in the transaction — we act promptly to protect your position before keys are exchanged.
06
Closing & Title Registration
On closing day, we manage the exchange of funds, registration of the transfer deed, and electronic registration of title in your name through Teraview, Ontario’s land registration system. We confirm that all legal requirements are satisfied before funds are released and possession is transferred to you.
Know Before You Close
Closing costs buyers should plan for in Ontario
In addition to your purchase price, Ontario buyers are responsible for land transfer tax (and a second municipal land transfer tax if purchasing in the City of Toronto), title insurance, legal fees, and disbursements. First-time buyers may qualify for a land transfer tax rebate of up to $4,000 provincially and up to $4,475 in Toronto. Buyers of new homes should also ask about applicable HST rebate programs, which may reduce the tax burden on new construction purchases. We review all applicable closing costs and available rebates with you before closing day — so there are no surprises.
What Buyers Need to Know
Common questions about
buying property in Ontario.
These are the questions we hear most often from buyers across Ontario. Understanding these issues before you sign helps you make better decisions — and avoid costly mistakes.
Do I need a real estate lawyer to buy property in Ontario?
Yes. In Ontario, a licensed real estate lawyer is required to complete the closing process. Your lawyer registers title, handles the exchange of funds, and ensures the transaction is legally binding. This is not optional — it is a legal requirement under Ontario’s land registration system.
When should I contact a lawyer — before or after signing the APS?
Ideally before you sign. The Agreement of Purchase and Sale is a legally binding contract and its terms govern your entire transaction. If you have already signed, contact us as soon as possible — the earlier we are involved, the more options you have if issues arise before or on closing day.
What is a title search and why does it matter?
A title search is a review of the property’s ownership history and registered interests in Ontario’s land registry. It confirms that the seller has the legal right to sell, and identifies anything registered against the property — including liens, mortgages, easements, or legal claims — that could affect your ownership after closing. Every Property Counsel purchase file includes a full title search.
What is title insurance and do I need it?
Title insurance protects you against losses arising from title defects that were not discoverable before closing — including fraud, survey errors, outstanding work orders, and zoning violations. It is strongly recommended for all Ontario property purchases and is a standard part of every closing we handle.
How much does a real estate lawyer cost for a purchase in Ontario?
Property Counsel charges transparent, fixed fees for purchase transactions — you know the full cost before we start. Legal fees vary depending on the nature and complexity of the transaction. Contact us for a quote specific to your purchase. There are no end-of-matter billing surprises.
I am a first-time buyer — is there anything I should know?
First-time buyers in Ontario may qualify for a land transfer tax rebate of up to $4,000 provincially, and up to $4,475 if purchasing in Toronto. You may also qualify for the federal Home Buyers’ Amount tax credit. Eligibility rules differ between programs and depend on your ownership history and how title will be taken. We review your eligibility as part of every first-time buyer file we handle.
What happens if the seller fails to close?
If a seller fails to complete the transaction on the agreed closing date, you may have legal remedies including an action for specific performance to compel the transfer, or an action for damages. Acting quickly with legal counsel is essential — time-sensitive steps are required to preserve your rights and your deposit.
What is the difference between a real estate agent and a real estate lawyer?
Your real estate agent helps you find a property and negotiate the offer. Your lawyer handles the legal side of the transaction — title searches, mortgage registration, closing funds, and title registration. Both serve different roles. Only a licensed lawyer can provide legal advice about your transaction or act for you at closing.
The Property Counsel Standard
“Buying property is one of the largest financial decisions you will make. Prudent investors close with prudent lawyers.”
Real estate law, only
We practise exclusively in real estate — your file is handled by a lawyer who knows this area inside out.
Transparent pricing
You know the full cost before we start. No end-of-matter surprises.
Direct access to your lawyer
Your file is handled by a licensed lawyer from start to finish — not a paralegal or junior clerk.
Remote & electronic signing
We close transactions remotely across Ontario. Sign from wherever you are.
Ready to move forward with your purchase?
Book a Consultation

Disclaimer: The content on this page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page does not create a lawyer-client relationship. For advice specific to your situation, contact Property Counsel or your own legal counsel. Property Counsel makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the information provided. Content reflects the law as of its publication date and may not reflect subsequent legal developments.