Buying a home or investment property

The agreement sets out what you’re buying, what must happen before the purchase becomes firm and when you’re expected to close.

We review or prepare Agreements of Purchase and Sale, including private sale agreements. We explain the terms in your document and identify points you may want to clarify or change before signing.

Terms to check early

• The property, purchase price and deposit due dates.
• Items included in the price and equipment subject to a rental contract.
• Financing, inspection or condominium document conditions.
• How and when to give notices under the agreement.
• Closing, possession and any obligations that continue after closing.
• Agreed changes, repairs or credits that should be recorded in writing.

If you’ve already signed

Tell us about the agreement, amendments, notices and any conditions already waived or fulfilled. The documents and timing determine what can still be reviewed, requested or negotiated.

The title and related documents can affect what you receive at closing and how you can use the property.

We complete title searches and legal due diligence appropriate to the purchase. We review relevant registered interests, such as mortgages, easements or restrictions, and explain how identified issues can be addressed within the transaction.

Clarify who will own the property

If you’re buying with another person or through a company, tell us who will contribute funds, borrow and take title. We can explain the proposed ownership arrangement and identify when a separate agreement or tax review would help.

Check condominium documents where applicable

A resale condominium review may include the status certificate and documents covering common expenses, assessments, rules, parking and lockers. Builder agreements, assignments and interim occupancy need a different review.

Understand the scope of each check

We explain the legal searches and any proposed title insurance, including relevant coverage limits. An inspection or a municipal inquiry can address separate questions about the property’s condition or permitted use.

Knowing what funds are needed, and when they’ll be available, helps you plan the closing.

When the purchase involves a mortgage, we review the lender’s instructions and prepare the required legal documents. We explain the closing statement and give instructions for delivering the balance of funds securely.

What goes into the closing amount

• The purchase price, deposit already paid and expected mortgage advance.
• Adjustments, such as your share of property taxes or condominium common expenses.
• Applicable land transfer taxes, legal fees, disbursements and title insurance where used.
• Sale proceeds, bridge financing or other arrangements that affect the timing of funds.

We review the taxes that apply to your purchase and potential first-time buyer relief. A property in Toronto can also attract municipal land transfer tax.

Complete registration and arrange possession

Once the applicable requirements are met, we arrange registration and coordinate possession or key release under the agreement. Tell us early if another sale or a move depends on this closing.

Tell us what you plan to do with the property before the purchase becomes firm. Your plans can affect the documents and searches we need to review.

Existing tenants and possession

An existing tenancy can continue after closing. We review available leases, rent and deposit information, and the possession terms in the agreement. If you expect vacant possession or plan to change the rental arrangement, raise that early so we can assess the additional work.

Renting, adding a unit or changing the property

Tell us if you intend to rent, add a secondary unit, renovate, redevelop or use the property for a business. Zoning, permits, condominium rules and lender requirements may affect the plan. We can identify the legal checks and where confirmation from the municipality or another adviser is needed.

Buying with partners or through a company

Explain who will buy, own and fund the property. A joint venture, company purchase or cross-border ownership arrangement can raise separate questions about ownership, eligibility, financing or tax.