Residential Real Estate: Purchases
Buying a home anywhere in the Greater Toronto Area is the largest transaction most families ever sign. We review, protect, and close it properly, from the moment your offer is accepted to the day the keys are in your hand.
Thorough Contract Review & Due Diligence
We begin with a full review of your Agreement of Purchase and Sale: conditions, deposit terms, closing date, chattels and fixtures, HST treatment, assignment clauses, status certificate provisions for condominiums, and builder addenda for new construction. Where a condition still stands, we advise you on waiving, fulfilling, or walking away before the deadline passes.
Our office then conducts the full title search and off-title due diligence: registered ownership, mortgages and liens, executions, easements and rights of way, unregistered interests, work orders, open building permits, zoning compliance, tax arrears, utility arrears, and, where applicable, condominium status certificate review and reserve fund analysis.
Residential Purchase Services
APS & Contract Review
Detailed examination of deposit terms, conditions, closing dates, chattels, HST treatment, assignment clauses, and builder addenda.
Title & Off-Title Diligence
Investigating registered ownership, mortgages, liens, executions, easements, rights of way, and unregistered interests.
Permits, Taxes & Arrears
Checking municipal work orders, open building permits, zoning compliance, tax arrears, and utility account balances.
Condo Status & Reserve Analysis
Comprehensive evaluation of condominium status certificates, financial disclosures, and reserve fund health.
LTT & Statement of Adjustments
Calculating provincial and Toronto municipal land transfer taxes, first-time buyer refunds, and detailed adjustments.
High-Risk & Special Property Review
Providing specialized review for new construction, assignments, rural well/septic properties, and multi-unit purchases.
4 Steps to Closing Your Purchase
Agreement & Condition Review
Reviewing contract terms, advising on condition waivers or fulfillments, and examining status certificates or builder addenda.
Title Search & Due Diligence
Searching title, clearing executions, verifying permits and work orders, and confirming clean registered ownership.
Lender & Closing Coordination
Coordinating with mortgage lenders, arranging title insurance, calculating land transfer taxes, and finalizing statements of adjustments.
Electronic Registration & Reporting
Electronically registering transfer and charge, releasing seller encumbrances, confirming funds, and delivering final reports.
Seamless Lender & Closing Coordination
We coordinate directly with your mortgage lender or broker, prepare and explain every closing document, arrange title insurance, calculate your land transfer tax (including the Toronto municipal land transfer tax where it applies and any first-time buyer refunds), and prepare a clear statement of adjustments so you know your exact closing funds well before closing day.
On closing we register the transfer and charge electronically, verify the release of the seller’s encumbrances, confirm receipt of funds, and report to you and your lender. New construction, assignment purchases, rural properties on well and septic, and multi-unit purchases each carry extra risk, and we handle them with the additional review they deserve.
- Direct Lender Liaison: Smooth processing of mortgage instructions, lender conditions, and funding logistics.
- Title Insurance Security: Comprehensive coverage arranged to protect your property rights against hidden defects.
- Clear Financial Calculation: Upfront calculation of land transfer taxes, first-time buyer rebates, and adjustment statements.
- Specialized Risk Oversight: Dedicated due diligence for new builds, assignments, rural well/septic systems, and multi-unit properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I send my Agreement of Purchase and Sale to a lawyer?
It is best to send your agreement immediately after it is accepted—or prior to signing if conditional on lawyer review. This ensures timely review of deposit terms, conditions, builder addenda, or condo status certificates before deadlines pass.
How are Land Transfer Taxes calculated, and do I qualify for refunds?
Land transfer tax is calculated based on the purchase price. Properties purchased in Toronto are subject to both Ontario provincial and Toronto municipal land transfer taxes. Eligible first-time home buyers may qualify for provincial and municipal tax refunds.
Why do new construction, assignment, or rural purchases require extra review?
New construction and assignment purchases involve complex builder addenda, occupancy fees, and HST implications. Rural properties with well and septic systems require specialized testing and environmental checks, carrying unique legal risks that require thorough review.
Protect Your Real Estate Purchase Today
Contact our experienced legal team to review your agreement, complete due diligence, and secure a smooth closing.