Canada Real Estate Law Support

Frequently Asked Questions

Purchasing real estate in Canada involves several legal requirements that both residents and non-residents must follow:

  • You must be at least 18 years old (19 in some provinces) to enter into a legally binding contract
  • Non-residents can purchase property but may face additional restrictions in certain provinces
  • All buyers must provide valid government-issued identification
  • You'll need to obtain a Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN) or Individual Tax Number (ITN) for tax purposes
  • Foreign buyers may need approval from the Canadian government under the Foreign Buyer Rules
  • All transactions must comply with provincial land transfer tax regulations

We strongly recommend consulting with a real estate lawyer before making any purchase to ensure full compliance with all legal requirements.

Verifying a property's legal status is crucial before purchase. Here's what you should check:

  • Title Search: Confirm the seller has clear title to the property through a land registry search
  • Zoning Verification: Ensure the property is zoned for your intended use
  • Liens and Encumbrances: Check for any outstanding mortgages, liens, or easements
  • Building Permits: Verify all renovations or additions were properly permitted
  • Survey Certificate: Confirm property boundaries match the legal description
Legal documents and property verification process

Our legal services include comprehensive property verification to protect your investment.

Many buyers encounter these common issues during real estate transactions:

  • Incomplete Due Diligence: Failing to thoroughly inspect the property or review all documents
  • Hidden Costs: Underestimating closing costs, property taxes, or maintenance expenses
  • Title Issues: Discovering undisclosed liens or ownership disputes after purchase
  • Zoning Restrictions: Finding out too late that you can't use the property as intended
  • Conditional Offer Mistakes: Not properly structuring financing or inspection contingencies
  • Foreign Buyer Taxes: Unawareness of additional taxes in certain provinces

Our Service Cost Calculator can help you anticipate many of these potential costs.

Did You Know?

In Canada, the legal concept of "buyer beware" (caveat emptor) applies to most real estate transactions. This means it's the buyer's responsibility to discover any defects in the property before purchase. Always get a professional inspection!

Quick Tip

When buying property in Canada, always budget for 1.5-4% of the purchase price in closing costs, including land transfer taxes, legal fees, and title insurance.

Important Reminder

The cooling-off period (right to cancel) for real estate purchases varies by province. In most cases, once you sign the agreement, you're legally bound.

Need Personalized Advice?

Every real estate transaction is unique. Contact our legal experts for advice tailored to your specific situation.

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