By Jatinder Kumar Kataria, Barrister & Solicitor · Last reviewed October 2026 · 6 min read
Your real estate lawyer makes sure you get clear title to the home, your mortgage is registered correctly, and the money moves safely on closing day. Here is what to expect and what to budget for.
What your lawyer does
- Reviews the agreement of purchase and sale and any conditions.
- Searches title, liens and work orders, and arranges title insurance.
- Works with your lender and prepares the mortgage documents.
- Calculates adjustments for property tax and utilities.
- Registers the transfer and releases the funds on closing.
Land transfer tax
Ontario charges land transfer tax on most purchases. Eligible first-time buyers can receive a refund of up to $4,000 of the Ontario tax. Homes in the City of Toronto also pay a municipal land transfer tax, with a separate first-time buyer rebate (listed by the City as up to $4,475; confirm the current amount before closing).
Non-resident speculation tax
Buyers who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents generally pay a 25% non-resident speculation tax on residential property anywhere in Ontario, unless an exemption applies. Toronto also charges its own municipal tax on some purchases. Get advice before you sign if this could apply to you.
Other closing costs to budget for
- Legal fees and disbursements (title insurance, searches, registration)
- Property tax and utility adjustments
- Home inspection and appraisal
- Mortgage default insurance tax, if your down payment is under 20%
- Moving costs and home insurance
Sources
- Ontario: Land transfer tax refunds for first-time homebuyers
- Ontario: Non-resident speculation tax
- City of Toronto: Municipal land transfer tax rebates
This guide is general information about the law in Ontario and Canada as of October 2026. It is not legal advice and does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Your situation may differ; please get advice before acting.